Development of PMMA + NPs Te Antibacterial Material for 3D Printing

The development of photopolymer 3D printing materials for biomedical applications requires the creation of a new class of polymer resins, that combine high strength, antibacterial activity, and low toxicity against eukaryotic cells. In this paper, a new material for 3D printing based on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and tellurium nanoparticles (NPs) was developed. NPs Te were synthesized by laser ablation in water, transferred in acetone, and then included in a MMA solution. NPs concentrations Te were 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1% by volume. The introduction of Te NPs did not alter the energy required for polymerization or the mechanical properties of the finished polymer; however, it increased the degree of final polymerization as indicated by FTIR data. Additionally, it added significant bacteriostatic properties without increasing toxicity against eukaryotic cells. The mechanism of antibacterial action can be mediated through the induction of oxidative stress in bacteria (increased generation of 8-oxoGua and long-lived reactive forms of proteins in aqueous solutions). The severity of the antibacterial action is determined by the dose of the introduced NPs Te.