Desarrollo de nuevos materiales poliméricos nanocompuestos con capacidad antimicrobiana
- Autores: Rocío Díaz Puertas
- Directores de la Tesis: Ricardo Mallavia Marín (dir. tes.), Juan Alberto Falco Gracia (codir. tes.)
- Lectura: En la Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche ( España ) en 2025
- Idioma: español
- Tribunal Calificador de la Tesis: Jaime Pérez Sánchez (presid.), María José Martínez Tomé (secret.), Mário Calvete (voc.)
- Programa de doctorado: Programa de Doctorado en Biología Molecular y Celular por la Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche
- Materias:
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- Resumen
This Thesis, entitled "Development of new polymeric nanocomposite materials with antimicrobial activity" represents a comprehensive effort to develop novel antimicrobial nanomaterials, focusing on the incorporation of bioactive compounds into polymeric matrices and eco-friendly synthesis techniques. The research spans several interconnected studies that explore both natural and synthetic antimicrobial agents, advancing our understanding of their applications in materials science and biomedicine.
This work begins by investigating fish skin mucus as an untapped resource for antimicrobial agents, highlighting the presence of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and other bioactive compounds within the mucus that exhibit potent activity against a range of pathogens. The research assesses various extraction methods to isolate these compounds and discusses their activity. The initial findings underscore the potential of marine-derived compounds for their use in antimicrobial applications, contributing valuable insights to the field.
Following this, the synthesis of protein-based nanofibers using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme (LYZ) is explored as a strategy for encapsulating bioactive agents. The electrospun nanofibers, featuring proteins with different molecular weights, serve as biocompatible carriers for bioactive agents, including an AMP and an antibody. The study confirms that these proteins maintain their structural integrity post-electrospinning and that the bioactive agents embedded within them retain partial to full activity, indicating the promise of protein nanofibers for bioactive drug administration and protection.
In a move toward real-world applications, the third section of this Thesis assesses thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials embedded with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for antiviral efficacy. Collaborating with an industry partner, the study evaluates the viricidal properties of AgNP-TPU materials against pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and SVCV, showing a substantial reduction in viral infectivity without cytotoxic effects in cell culture models. These results position AgNP-TPU composites as promising candidates for antiviral surface coatings in various settings.
The Thesis then transitions to greener synthesis approaches, using phytochemical-based methods to produce antibacterial nanomaterials. A review of plant-derived compounds and their applications reveals how natural extracts, rich in antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, can serve as both antimicrobial agents and reducing agents for NP synthesis. This study encourages sustainable production practices that reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, aligning with global goals for environmentally responsible material development.
Finally, the research culminates in the synthesis of AgNPs using pomegranate peel extract, a byproduct of Mediterranean agriculture. Employing the Box-Behnken response surface model, the synthesis is optimized for particle stability and antibacterial efficacy. When incorporated into the protein-based nanofibers developed earlier in the Thesis, these AgNPs demonstrate effective, antibacterial properties, paving the way for their application in novel and greener antimicrobial materials.
These studies collectively push the boundaries of antimicrobial nanomaterials, offering practical strategies to tackle urgent global health issues like antibiotic resistance and viral infections. In turn, by focusing on cutting-edge nanomaterials and sustainable approaches, this research provides important insights for developing safer, more effective, and eco-friendly solutions.
