Preparation and Biochemical and Microbial Behavior of Poly(Lactide) Composites with Polyethersulfone and Copper-Complexed Cellulose Phosphate

This research investigates the biochemical and microbiological characteristics of a composite comprising poly(lactide) (PLA) combined with polyethersulfone (PESf) and copper-complexed cellulose phosphate (CelP-Cu). The material was produced using the pneumothermic melt-blown method and then modified with polyethersulfone and cellulose phosphate, followed by complexation with copper ions using the dip-coating technique. Comprehensive physicochemical and biological evaluations were conducted to characterize the composite. The physicochemical assessments involved elemental analysis (C, O, Cu) and morphology examination. The biological evaluations encompassed microbiological testing and biochemical-hematological analysis, including activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT). Antimicrobial activity was assessed according to the EN ISO 20645:2006 and EN 14119:2005 standards, by placing material specimens on agar plates inoculated with representative microorganisms. The results revealed that the composites exhibited significant antimicrobial effects against model microorganisms: <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, <i>Bacillus atrophaeus</i>, <i>Candida albicans</i>, <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>, <i>Aspergillus niger</i>, <i>Chaetomium globosum</i>. This study highlights the potential of PLA/PESf/CelP-Cu composites for novel biomedical applications, demonstrating their biocompatibility and their influence on hemostatic processes and antimicrobial properties.