| dc.description.abstract | This study focuses on the development of composite biomaterials based on alginate beads loaded with Cu²⁺ ions for antimicrobial applications. Eight materials were synthesized using low-cost polysaccharides through a simple and economical extrusion method.
The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirming the effective encapsulation of copper within the matrix. Biological tests revealed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 11 mm to 25 mm. Some materials exhibited high efficacy, attributed to the synergy between Cu(II) ions and the functional groups in the alginate. The study also highlighted the influence of bead diameter, determined by the extrusion volume, on antibacterial performance.
These results underscore the strong potential of these biomaterials for biomedical applications, particularly in preventing nosocomial infections and designing controlled-release antimicrobial systems | en_US |