Bimetallic alginate nanocomposites: New antimicrobial biomaterials for biomedical application

Two bimetallic (Zn/Cu) alginate based nanocomposites, impregnated with carbonate or phosphate mineral phase, were prepared by a facile procedure. Mineralized samples exhibited different morphologies and properties when compared to the non-mineralized sample. Antimicrobial testing against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans showed that mineralized samples are more efficient than non-mineralized in elimination of microorganisms. The results of this study suggest that bimetallic mineralized alginates could be potentially used as affordable, easy to produce antimicrobial materials.