Cuprous Oxide Nanoparticles Decorated Fabric Materials with Anti-biofilm Properties

Considering the global spread of bacterial infections, the development of anti-biofilm surfaces with high antimicrobial activities is highly desired. This work unraveled a simple, sonochemical method for coating Cu₂O nanoparticles (NPs) on three different flexible substrates: polyester (PE), nylon 2 (N2), and polyethylene (PEL). The introduction of Cu₂O NPs on these substrates enhanced their surface hydrophobicity, induced ROS generation, and completely inhibited the growth of sensitive (Escherichia coli and Staphyloccocus aureus) and drug-resistant (MDR E. coli and MRSA) planktonic and biofilm. The experimental results confirmed that Cu₂O-PE exhibited complete biofilm mass reduction ability for all four strains, whereas Cu₂O-N2 showed more than 99% biomass inhibition against both drug-resistant and sensitive pathogens in 6 h. Moreover, Cu₂O-PEL also indicated a 99.95, 97.73, 98.00, and 99.20% biomass reduction of MRSA, MDR E. coli, E. coli, and S. aureus, respectively. All substrates were investigated for time-dependent inhibitions, and the associated biofilm mass and log reduction were evaluated. The mechanisms of Cu₂O NP action against the mature biofilms include the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as electrostatic interaction between Cu₂O NPs and bacterial membranes. The current study could pave the way for the commercialization of sonochemically coated Cu₂O NP flexible substrates for the prevention of microbial contamination in hospitals and industrial environments.