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Lungulescu EM, Fierascu RC, Stan MS, Fierascu I, Radoi EA, Banciu CA, Gabor RA, Fistos T, Marutescu L, Popa M, Voinea IC, Voicu SN, Nicula NO. Gamma Radiation-Mediated Synthesis of Antimicrobial Polyurethane Foam/Silver Nanoparticles. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1369. [PMID: 38794562 PMCID: PMC11125184 DOI: 10.3390/polym16101369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Nosocomial infections represent a major threat within healthcare systems worldwide, underscoring the critical need for materials with antimicrobial properties. This study presents the development of polyurethane foam embedded with silver nanoparticles (PUF/AgNPs) using a rapid, eco-friendly, in situ radiochemical synthesis method. The nanocomposites were characterized by UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray technique (SEM/EDX), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), tensile and compression strengths, antimicrobial activity, and foam toxicity tests. The resulting PUF/AgNPs demonstrated prolonged stability (over 12 months) and good dispersion of AgNPs. Also, the samples presented higher levels of hardness compared to samples without AgNPs (deformation of 1682 µm for V1 vs. 4307 µm for V0, under a 5 N force), tensile and compression strength of 1.80 MPa and 0.34 Mpa, respectively. Importantly, they exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against a broad range of bacteria (including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis) and a fungal mixture (no fungal growth on the sample surface was observed after 28 days of exposure). Furthermore, these materials were non-toxic to human keratinocytes, which kept their specific morphology after 24 h of incubation, highlighting their potential for safe use in biomedical applications. We envision promising applications for PUF/AgNPs in hospital bed mattresses and antimicrobial mats, offering a practical strategy to reduce nosocomial infections and enhance patient safety within healthcare facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduard-Marius Lungulescu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Electrical Engineering ICPE-CA, 313 Splaiul Unirii, 030138 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-M.L.); (E.A.R.); (C.A.B.)
| | - Radu Claudiu Fierascu
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.C.F.); (I.F.); (R.A.G.); (T.F.)
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Str., 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Miruna S. Stan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.S.S.); (S.N.V.)
| | - Irina Fierascu
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.C.F.); (I.F.); (R.A.G.); (T.F.)
- Faculty of Horticulture, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Blvd., 011464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Andreea Radoi
- National Institute for Research and Development in Electrical Engineering ICPE-CA, 313 Splaiul Unirii, 030138 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-M.L.); (E.A.R.); (C.A.B.)
| | - Cristina Antonela Banciu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Electrical Engineering ICPE-CA, 313 Splaiul Unirii, 030138 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-M.L.); (E.A.R.); (C.A.B.)
| | - Raluca Augusta Gabor
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.C.F.); (I.F.); (R.A.G.); (T.F.)
| | - Toma Fistos
- National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (R.C.F.); (I.F.); (R.A.G.); (T.F.)
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Str., 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Luminita Marutescu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (L.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Marcela Popa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (L.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Ionela C. Voinea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.S.S.); (S.N.V.)
| | - Sorina N. Voicu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (M.S.S.); (S.N.V.)
| | - Nicoleta-Oana Nicula
- National Institute for Research and Development in Electrical Engineering ICPE-CA, 313 Splaiul Unirii, 030138 Bucharest, Romania; (E.-M.L.); (E.A.R.); (C.A.B.)
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Kosmela P, Sałasińska K, Kowalkowska-Zedler D, Barczewski M, Piasecki A, Saeb MR, Hejna A. Fire-Retardant Flexible Foamed Polyurethane (PU)-Based Composites: Armed and Charmed Ground Tire Rubber (GTR) Particles. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:656. [PMID: 38475340 DOI: 10.3390/polym16050656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Inadequate fire resistance of polymers raises questions about their advanced applications. Flexible polyurethane (PU) foams have myriad applications but inherently suffer from very high flammability. Because of the dependency of the ultimate properties (mechanical and damping performance) of PU foams on their cellular structure, reinforcement of PU with additives brings about further concerns. Though they are highly flammable and known for their environmental consequences, rubber wastes are desired from a circularity standpoint, which can also improve the mechanical properties of PU foams. In this work, melamine cyanurate (MC), melamine polyphosphate (MPP), and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) are used as well-known flame retardants (FRs) to develop highly fire-retardant ground tire rubber (GTR) particles for flexible PU foams. Analysis of the burning behavior of the resulting PU/GTR composites revealed that the armed GTR particles endowed PU with reduced flammability expressed by over 30% increase in limiting oxygen index, 50% drop in peak heat release rate, as well as reduced smoke generation. The Flame Retardancy Index (FRI) was used to classify and label PU/GTR composites such that the amount of GTR was found to be more important than that of FR type. The wide range of FRI (0.94-7.56), taking Poor to Good performance labels, was indicative of the sensitivity of flame retardancy to the hybridization of FR with GTR components, a feature of practicality. The results are promising for fire protection requirements in buildings; however, the flammability reduction was achieved at the expense of mechanical and thermal insulation performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Kosmela
- Department of Polymer Technology, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Kamila Sałasińska
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Wołoska 141, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Daria Kowalkowska-Zedler
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Mateusz Barczewski
- Institute of Materials Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3, 61-138 Poznań, Poland
| | - Adam Piasecki
- Institute of Materials Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Jana Pawła II 24, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Mohammad Reza Saeb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdańsk, J. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Aleksander Hejna
- Department of Polymer Technology, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
- Institute of Materials Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3, 61-138 Poznań, Poland
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Małgorzata O, Serhii C, Dmytro R, Oleg D, Olena S. Evaluation of properties of elastomeric head straps of filtering facepiece respirators. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2023; 29:1294-1300. [PMID: 37711019 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2023.2257066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Frequent donning and doffing of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) can reduce their effectiveness due to the residual deformation of their elastic head straps. This study investigates the loss of elasticity of head straps during repeated use. Five elastomeric tapes were tested as FFR head straps, and their tensile strength was measured using a DU-100 dynamometer after repeated donning and doffing cycles. After eight consecutive uses, the protection factor drops significantly, requiring strap length adjustments to guarantee the specified level of user protection. The maximum tensile force of the elastomeric head straps causes residual elongation, which remains consistent after eight cycles. The study also establishes how strap elongation depends on the force and number of donning and doffing cycles. This knowledge is vital for designing better FFRs. Additionally, the research explores alternative materials for FFR construction to address strap elongation and its effects on performance and comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Okrasa Małgorzata
- Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute of Labour Protection - National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB), Poland
| | - Cheberyachko Serhii
- Department of Labour Protection and Civil Security, Dnipro University of Technology, Ukraine
| | - Radchuk Dmytro
- Department of Labour Protection and Civil Security, Dnipro University of Technology, Ukraine
| | - Deryugin Oleg
- Department of Labour Protection and Civil Security, Dnipro University of Technology, Ukraine
| | - Sharovatova Olena
- Department of Labour Protection and Technologic and Environmental Safety, National University of Civil Defense of Ukraine, Ukraine
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Grzęda D, Węgrzyk G, Nowak A, Idaszek J, Szczepkowski L, Ryszkowska J. Cytotoxic Properties of Polyurethane Foams for Biomedical Applications as a Function of Isocyanate Index. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2754. [PMID: 37376400 DOI: 10.3390/polym15122754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyurethane foams are widely used in biomedical applications due to their desirable mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, the cytotoxicity of its raw materials can limit their use in certain applications. In this study, a group of open-cell polyurethane foams were investigated for their cytotoxic properties as a function of the isocyanate index, a critical parameter in the synthesis of polyurethanes. The foams were synthesized using a variety of isocyanate indices and characterized for their chemical structure and cytotoxicity. This study indicates that the isocyanate index highly influences the chemical structure of polyurethane foams, also causing changes in cytotoxicity. These findings have important implications for designing and using polyurethane foams as composite matrices in biomedical applications, as careful consideration of the isocyanate index is necessary to ensure biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Grzęda
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Wołoska 141, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Węgrzyk
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Wołoska 141, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adriana Nowak
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 171/173, 90-530 Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Idaszek
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Wołoska 141, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Joanna Ryszkowska
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Wołoska 141, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
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Leska A, Nowak A, Rosicka-Kaczmarek J, Ryngajłło M, Czarnecka-Chrebelska KH. Characterization and Protective Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria Intended to Be Used in Probiotic Preparation for Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)—An In Vitro Study. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061059. [PMID: 36978601 PMCID: PMC10044574 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely used probiotics and offer promising prospects for increasing the viability of honeybees. Thus, the probiotic potential of 10 LAB strains was determined, which in our previous studies showed the most potent protective abilities. In the current study, we investigated various properties of probiotic candidates. The tested LAB strains varied in susceptibility to tested antibiotics. Isolates showed high viability in sugar syrups and gastrointestinal conditions. None of the LAB strains exhibited β-hemolytic activity, mutual antagonism, mucin degradation, hydrogen peroxide production capacity, or bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of LAB cell-free supernatants (CFS) was assessed, as well as the effect of CFS from P. pentosaceus 14/1 on the cytotoxicity of coumaphos and chlorpyrifos in the Caco-2 cell line. The viability of Caco-2 cells reached up to 89.81% in the presence of the highest concentration of CFS. Furthermore, LAB metabolites decreased the cytotoxicity of insecticides (up to 19.32%) thus demonstrating cytoprotective activity. All tested LAB strains produced lactic, acetic, and malonic acids. This research allowed the selection of the most effective LAB strains, in terms of probiosis, for future in vivo studies aimed at developing an ecologically protective biopreparation for honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Leska
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 171/173, 90-530 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (A.N.)
| | - Adriana Nowak
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 171/173, 90-530 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (A.N.)
| | - Justyna Rosicka-Kaczmarek
- Institute of Food Technology and Analysis, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, 90-537 Lodz, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Ryngajłło
- Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, 90-573 Lodz, Poland
| | - Karolina Henryka Czarnecka-Chrebelska
- Department of Biomedicine and Genetics, Chair of Biology and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Lodz, 5 Mazowiecka Str. (A-6 Building), 92-215 Lodz, Poland
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