Resumen
A smart antibacterial biomaterial based on a keratin hydrogel with pH-dependent behavior and Zinc Oxide nanoplates as biocide agent has been developed. The pH of a chronic wound is basic due to bacterial metabolism. Originally shrank at acid pH, keratin hydrogels swell upon contact with a bacterial contaminated media leading to the release of the nanoparticles. The material has been thoroughly characterized by infrared spectroscopy, Raman, scanning electron microscope, swelling behavior, Differential scanning calorimetry, Small-angle X-ray scattering, rheology, antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity. The results show that 5% of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles concentration is the optimum for wound dressing applications. © 2018 Elsevier Inc.
M. Emilia Villanueva
Investigadora
Trabajo en el desarrollo de materiales nanoestructurados, su caracterización y el estudio de sus posibles aplicaciones.
Jonás J. Pérez Bravo
Posdoct-CONICET
He participado en el desarrollo de biomateriales aplicados a la agroindustria, compósitos nanoestructurados para fotodegradación y/o adsorción de contaminantes.
Guillermo Copello
Investigador
Dedicado a la síntesis y caracterización de nanocompuestos a base de polímeros naturales para el desarrollo de materiales inteligentes funcionales