Obtenção e caracterização de um material antimicrobiano de látex de borracha natural com adição de nanopartículas metálicas para usos biomédicos

Abstract

This work aims to obtain and characterize a material of natural rubber latex with the addition of metallic nanoparticles, with a focus on conferring antimicrobial properties for biomedical applications. Using natural rubber latex as a base, silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles were added to promote antimicrobial effects. The acquisition process involved emulsification of additives at different temperatures, followed by mixing with latex, drying, vulcanization, and leaching. Results revealed that the addition of nanoparticulate ZnO, especially in trial emulsified at 50 ºC, yielded films with higher tensile strength. Contact angle tests indicated hydrophobic surface characteristics, crucial for applications in cosmetic gloves for upper limb prostheses. Swelling tests in solvents highlighted the complexity of polymer-solvent interactions, with significant variations between water with detergent and 70 wt% ethyl alcohol. Antimicrobial tests demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting bacterial growth, against Escherichia coli. The presence of inhibition halos suggests that ZnO played a relevant role in this effect. The results indicate promising biomedical applications, such as gloves, catheters, and dressings, where antimicrobial properties are crucial. This study contributes to advancing the search for more efficient and durable biomedical materials, emphasizing the importance of the appropriate choice of additives and manufacturing conditions to optimize desired properties. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]