Optimizing CNT Loading in Antimicrobial Composites for Urinary Tract Application

Several methodologies have been implemented with the intent of preventing or reducing formation biofilms on indwelling urinary devices. The use carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in biomedical field has increasing, particularly production antimicrobial and antifouling coatings. Despite their proven properties, as coating materials for tract devices (UTDs) is still poorly documented. In present work, CNT/poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) composite containing different CNT loadings were prepared further tested against Escherichia coli under conditions prevailing UTDs. Besides loading optimization, textural modifications also introduced surface CNTs to improve antibiofilm properties final composites. Material characterization included evaluation assessment morphology by scanning electron microscopy, while hydrophobicity was determined contact angle measurements. Biofilm analysis performed determining number culturable total cells confocal laser microscopy. Results revealed that, filling PDMS matrix 3 wt% loading, a significant reduction cell culturability (39%) can be achieved compared PDMS. Additionally, induced ball-milling treatment proved effective inhibition biofilm formation, amount per area, thickness coverage 31, 47 27%, respectively (compared surfaces where not ball-milled).