RESUMEN
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.
RESUMEN
The development of highly efficient sunlight-driven photocatalysts has triggered increased attention due to their merit in effluent treatment through a chemically green approach. To this end, we present herein the synthesis and characterization of the TiO2/3D-GF/Ni hybrid emphasizing the main structural and morphological properties and the photodegradation process of a highly resistant aromatic azo dye, methyl orange, under both UV light and simulated sunlight. Three-dimensional (3D) graphene was grown by the thermal CVD method on the nickel foam and subsequently coated with thin films of anatase employing the sol-gel method. Thereafter, it was gratifyingly demonstrated that the hybrid nanomaterial, TiO2/3D-GF-Ni, was able to bring about more than 90% decolorization of methyl orange dye after 30 min under simulated sunlight irradiance. Moreover, the efficiency of the methyl orange decolorization was 99.5% after three successive cycles. This high-performance photocatalyst which can effectively decolorize methyl orange will most likely make a great contribution to reducing environmental pollution by employing renewable solar energy.
RESUMEN
In this review, we highlight recent advancements in 3D graphene foam synthesis by template-assisted chemical vapor deposition, as well as their potential energy storage and conversion applications. This method offers good control of the number of graphene layers and porosity, as well as continuous connection of the graphene sheets. The review covers all the substrate types, catalysts, and precursors used to synthesize 3D graphene by the CVD method, as well as their most viable energy-related applications.
