Polylactic acid/multi walled carbon nanotubes (PLA/MWCNT) nanocomposite for 3D printing of medical devices

In recent years, the composite nanomaterials area has had a great development impact in health sciences. Biomaterials depict as one of the most promising since they are compatible with additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. It is also possible to use them to mold specific medical parts. Composite nanomaterials have shown good biocompatibility and low toxicity to have benefits equal to or greater than metals (i.e., Co-Cr alloy). The purpose of this study is to develop a nanocomposite biomaterial (PLA/MWCNTf) from Polylactic Acid (PLA) and functionalized Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTf) to evidence its potential application in 3D printing of orthopedic fixation devices. PLA/MWCNTf nanocomposite was prepared by solution blending technique, incorporating a proportion of 0.5 wt% of MWCNTf to the PLA matrix. TGA analysis of the PLA/MWCNTf was used to determine the thermal stability, a slight increase was found compared to the PLA. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of carboxylic acid groups in the MWCNTf which improves good incorporation of the nanotubes in the PLA matrix. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and AFM micrographs were used to verify MWCNTf reached the PLA surface homogeneously. Additive manufacturing preparation was done by extrusion molding of PLA/MWCNTf as well as its 3D printing.

The Influence of Zinc Oxide with Carbon Nanotube Composite NanoMaterials on Antibacterial Activity

A novel hybrid substance, ZnO: MWCNT, are fabricated from prepared pellets using a pulsed laser ablation liquid technique at varied MWCNT concentrations (0, 3, 5, 10, and 15) wt%. The study cast at the effect of MWCNT concentration on the structure of prepared samples using FTIR and tested for different types of antimicrobial activity. From FTIR examination, one can observe that all the prepared ZnO: MWCNT samples with different concentrations have different types of band (stretching and bending). All the prepared composite samples with various concentrations have showed influence on different types of bacterial, however in general the annealing ZnO, MWCNT and the composite nanomaterial with 15%MWCNT have higher zone of antibacterial activity for studying types of bacterial inhibition.

Modified Composite Nanomaterials as Novel Approach to Dental Hygiene Formulation

Oral care and dental hygiene are integral parts of self-care. In the past few decades, there has been increased development in mouthwashes as oral care products. However, existing products may lead to a dry mouth or rely on ethanol. Herein, for the first time, we investigated the antibacterial effects of cetylpyridinium chloride, a cationic surfactant, intercalated with montmorillonite, a smectite clay to form a cetylpyridinium chloride-montmorillonite clay complex. Antibacterial assays revealed that the complex was able to eradicate oral bacteria in human saliva within 2 minutes, at a concentration of 0.05 g/L as determined by plating human saliva onto nutrient agar plates post-treatment. These are very encouraging findings that could improve mouthwash formulations to remove stains and plaque against various oral bacteria.