Cellulose gum and copper nanoparticles based hydrogel as antimicrobial agents against urinary tract infection (UTI) pathogens

In the present study, stable copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were successfully prepared in the hydrogel matrix. The prepared nanocomposite (HCuNPs) was characterized via x-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive (EDX) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) studies. The wide scan XPS spectra support the presence of C, N and O in neat hydrogel; while, the XPS spectra of HCuNPs demonstrate the presence of Cu along with C, N, and O elements. TEM studies show the formation of spherical shaped CuNPs in the size range from 7 to 12 nm. The rheology results reveal that the storage modulus (G') of the HCuNPs was found to be higher than the loss modulus (G”). Additionally, the antibacterial activities and cytotoxic were carried out against urinary tract infection (UTI) microbes and HeLa (cervical) cells respectively. The antibacterial results reveal that HCuNPs composites show higher zone of inhibition against these pathogens then that of corresponding hydrogel matrix. The cytotoxic effects suggest that the prepared nanocomposite could be used as promising candidates for biomedical applications.