Laser‐Based Generation of Nanocomposites without Matrix‐Coupling Agents for Bioactive Medical Devices

Abstract

Zur Ausschöpfung des Potenzials funktionaler Nanomaterialen bedarf es neuartiger Produktionsverfahren, die die Dispersion der Nanopartikel entlang der Prozesskette sicherstellen. Am Beispiel von Medizinprodukten mit antibakteriellem Schutz vor Biofilmbildung auf Basis von Silbernanopartikeln werden die Volumenintegration in Kunststoffe und die Nanopartikelsynthese durch Laserabtrag in Flüssigkeiten vorgestellt. Die antibakterielle Wirksamkeit der Nanokomposite und Verarbeitbarkeit zu Prototypen werden gezeigt.New production technologies are required to benefit of the full potential of nanocomposites by homogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles along the process chain. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles by laser ablation in liquid and their integration into polymers are presented. Antibacterial properties of these materials and processability into prototypes for medical devices with antibacterial protection are demonstrated.

Process Chain for the Fabrication of Nanoparticle Polymer Composites by Laser Ablation Synthesis

“…Generally, the embedment of nanoparticles into a polymer matrix can be carried out in situ and ex situ [50][51][52]. Fig.…”

“…However, the biocompatibility of both the matrix and the nanoparticle is crucial [51,72] and the safety of the product has to be ensured. In general, the polymer matrix needs to be nontoxic, and the nanoparticles have to be immobilized within the matrix [56,72].…”

“…In general, the polymer matrix needs to be nontoxic, and the nanoparticles have to be immobilized within the matrix [56,72]. The immobilization is necessary since direct contact of nanoparticles with biological tissues and cells, i.e., when using functionalized wound dressings or implants, can be toxic [51] or the nanoparticles can enter the body through a wound [72].…”

“…Here, it is important to find the suitable therapeutic window [73] for a particular application, the materials used, and the cells and biological tissues involved [56]. For example, when Cu and Ag nanoparticles are embedded into silicon to inhibit the growth of one kind of cell while it does not impair the function of other cells [73], there will be a different concentration needed than of Ag nanoparticles which are used to prevent biofilm formation on medical equipment [51,56]. Besides Ag and Cu, particles which are often applied for antimicrobial effects, ZnO is also an interesting material for nanointegration into polymers.…”

Water-based, surfactant-free cytocompatible nanoparticle-microgel-composite biomaterials – rational design by laser synthesis, processing into fiber pads and impact on cell proliferation

“…Nanocomposites composed of polymers and noble as well as ignoble metal nanoparticles like zinc and iron are highly interesting for various medical applications [1], [2], predominantly as they may serve as a reservoir for bioactive ions [3], [4], while additionally the embedded nanoparticles may induce changes in the composite's surface charge (hydrophilicity), which may favor cell growth and proliferation [5]. Zinc ions are known to support wound healing by their cell stimulating effect [6], hence zinc release systems have been used for wound-care for a long time [7], e.g.…”