Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Study of Hybrid Films Based on Polypropylene and NiO or NiFe 2 O 4 Nanoparticles.

This study presents an in vitro analysis of the bactericidal and cytotoxic properties of hybrid films containing nickel oxide (NiO) and nickel ferrite (NiFe 2 O 4 ) nanoparticles embedded in polypropylene (PP). The solvent casting method was used to synthesize films of PP, PP@NiO, and PP@NiFe 2 O 4 , which were characterized by different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed that the small crystallite sizes of NiO and NiFe 2 O 4 NPs were maintained even after they were incorporated into the PP matrix. From the Raman scattering spectroscopy data, it was evident that there was a significant interaction between the NPs and the PP matrix. Additionally, the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed a homogeneous dispersion of NiO and NiFe 2 O 4 NPs throughout the PP matrix. The incorporation of the NPs was observed to alter the surface roughness of the films; this behavior was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The antibacterial properties of all films were evaluated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC ® : 43636™) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC ® : 23235™), two opportunistic and nosocomial pathogens. The PP@NiO and PP@ NiFe 2 O 4 films showed over 90% bacterial growth inhibition for both strains. Additionally, the effects of the films on human skin cells, such as epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, were evaluated for cytotoxicity. The PP, PP@NiO, and PP@NiFe 2 O 4 films were nontoxic to human keratinocytes. Furthermore, compared to the PP film, improved biocompatibility of the PP@NiFe 2 O 4 film with human fibroblasts was observed. The methodology utilized in this study allows for the production of hybrid films that can inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria, such as S. aureus , and Gram-negative bacteria, such as P. aeruginosa . These films have potential as coating materials to prevent bacterial proliferation on surfaces.