Electrokinetic and bioactive properties of CuO∙SiO2 oxide composites

CuO∙SiO2 hybrid oxide precipitated on a semi-technical scale was thoroughly characterised in terms of physicochemical properties. Its particle size distribution and SEM analysis were performed to establish dispersion and surface morphology. Chemical analysis provided information on the content of CuO and SiO2 oxides in the hybrid systems. The oxide systems were also subjected to elemental analysis. Zeta potential determinations were evaluated to obtain information regarding the interactions between colloidal particles. The stability of copper silicates' water dispersions was estimated on the basis of zeta potential measurements. The obtained oxide systems were used as components of polymer composites with polyester resins, which were subjected to mechanical tests and bactericidal tests against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a well known biofilm-forming microorganism. The anti-adhesive activity of the CuO·SiO2 enriched polymers was assessed using a 9-degree scale of adhesion. A significant reduction in the P. aeruginosa biofilm development rate was achieved for Palatal A 400-01 resins enriched with both 2 and 8 phr of the filler. In the case of Aropol M 105 TB resins the introduction of CuO∙SiO2 caused inhibition of bacterial colonisation but to a smaller extent. These results strongly indicate that the biological activity of Cu was maintained. The release of copper ions into the local environment was examined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Maximum values of 1.621 and 5.934 mg/dm3 of released copper were detected. The surface composition of both resins studied by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) contributed to the data suggesting homogenous distribution of Si; however copper seemed to form local aggregates. The presented results may be of great significance for those dealing with materials tailored for specific needs.

► Synthesis of CuO∙SiO2 composite oxide with special surface properties and biactivity.
► Electrokinetic stability of copper silicates' water dispersions is estimated by zeta potential measurements.
► Bactericidal tests against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a well known biofilm forming microorganism.
► Polymer composites with polyester resins and CuO∙SiO2 filler.