Towards Safe and Effective Biomedical Nanocoatings: Plasma-Sputtered Magnesium Nanoparticles with Cytoprotective and Antimicrobial Properties

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and the need for biocompatible, multifunctional surfaces in healthcare have driven the development of innovative nanocoating strategies [1]. Among these, magnesium (Mg) nanoparticles are gaining attention due to their intrinsic antimicrobial properties, biological relevance, and low cytotoxicity. Beyond antibacterial textiles, Mg-based nanocoatings hold promise in agriculture, enhancing seed germination and nutrient absorption, as well as in biodegradable packaging, wound healing applications, and eco-compatible biomedical implants [2]. Their dual functionality—antimicrobial activity combined with cytocompatibility—positions plasma-sputtered Mg particles as a versatile and sustainable platform for next-generation materials [3]. In this study, magnesium nanoparticles were applied to textile substrates via low-temperature glow discharge plasma sputtering. This solvent-free, eco-friendly deposition method ensures excellent coating adhesion, uniform coverage, and precise control of layer thickness. SEM, EDS, and XPS analyses confirmed the formation of homogeneous Mg layers modifying the fiber surface morphology. An antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains and fungi Candida spp. was determined. Cytocompatibility was evaluated using human endothelial HUVEC cells and MTT/PrestoBlue assays. Notably, 120-minute coatings not only maintained cell viability but enhanced it by ~20%, suggesting a cytoprotective effect. These findings highlight plasma-sputtered Mg nanoparticles as a promising solution for multifunctional, eco-conscious, and biocompatible surfaces in medicine and beyond.