Copper Nanoparticle/Polymer Composites with Antifungal and Bacteriostatic Properties

A spinnable coating capable of releasing metal species to a broth of living organisms in a controlled manner is an extremely interesting material for a number of biotechnological applications. Polymer/ metal nanocomposites are a viable choice but very little is known about their biological properties. Here, a polymer based nanocomposite loading stabilized copper nanoparticles is proposed as a biostatic coating and systematic correlations between material properties and biological effects are established. Experimental proof of the nanocomposite capability to release metal species in a controlled manner and eventually to slow or even inhibit the growth of living organisms, such as fungi and other pathogenic…