Structural and Bactericidal Properties of Cu-TiO2 Biocides Incorporated in Polypropylene

Structural and Bactericidal Properties of Cu-TiO2 Biocides Incorporated in Polypropylene | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Structural and Bactericidal Properties of Cu-TiO2 Biocides Incorporated in Polypropylene G Ambarasan Govindasamy, Srimala Sreekantan, Khairul Arifah Saharudin, and 5 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3833493/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Polymer-based appliances are vulnerable to bacterial infections and poses a significant concern in biomedical field. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have been identified as potential sources of infectious diseases, necessitating a comprehensive exploration of innovative materials and strategies to mitigate this issue. Accordingly, this work targeted to determine the effect of 1% and 7% Cu-TiO 2 on the antibacterial activity of PP composite against Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) . In this work, oval-shaped Cu-TiO 2 were fabricated by a hydrothermal method and then incorporated into the PP by internal mixing. Subsequently XRD, TEM, FESEM, and EDS were used to characterize the Cu-TiO 2 -PP composite. The structural properties of PP composite were greatly altered with dispersion of Cu-TiO 2 . Antibacterial tests demonstrated that the bactericidal efficiency of Cu-TiO 2 -PP composite on microorganisms greatly improved with metal-ionic systems compared with pure PP. This work throws some new insight in addressing catheter-related blood-stream infection. Antibacterial agent Copper Titanium dioxide Polypropylene polymer Structural properties Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 1 Introduction Lately, many noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) caused by wide-ranging Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have developed a serious health issues and concerns. According to the hospital reviews, most of the noncommunicable diseases effortlessly spread into immuno-compromised patients through polymeric bioimplant medical devices. Commonly, this bioimplant materials, which are embedded inside human veins, favor the breeding and adherence of broad-spectrum bacteria. Alternatively, an ideal antibacterial polymeric nanocomposite with biocidal properties are being fabricated to tackle the issue. The destructive mechanisms of nanoparticles (NPs) on different microbes involve metal ions release, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), internalization and attachment of NPs, and electrostatic interaction of NPs [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Therefore, comprehensive understanding of antibacterial mechanisms is required to improve the efficacy of inorganic oxides in disease treatment. Table 1 shows the different metal embedded into polypropylene (PP) polymers that have been evaluated for their bactericidal activity alongside their postulated destructive mechanism. Among these, suspensions of Cu and TiO 2 NPs are efficient in tackling a wide range of bacteria. Although most researchers focus on producing antibacterial polymer materials using a single type of inorganic oxides, the bacterial sensitivity to NPs and efficacy of antibacterial polymers differ and depend on the type, size, shape, and amount of inorganic oxides [ 24 , 25 , 26 ] and the nature of the polymer matrix (amorphous or semicrystalline) [ 27 , 28 ]. Also, the antibacterial performance of inorganic bactericidal agents on pathogens are greatly rely on the antibacterial activity of the types of metal oxide NPs and the types of bacteria. Generally, microorganisms have different tolerance or sensitivity against different types of antibacterial material. Some studies have reported the significant improvements of bactericidal efficiencies of inorganic antibacterial agents on microorganisms in multi-ionic systems, such as dual (Ag-Cu, Ag-Zn, and Zn-Cu) and ternary (Ag-Zn-Cu) ionic zeolite, which are incorporated in polyether-type thermoplastic polyurethane matrix [ 29 ]. The polymer matrix embedded with single inorganic oxides also exhibits antibacterial activity on certain types of microorganisms [ 29 ]. Normally, CuO NPs which was synthesized by aqueous precipitation method, exhibited broad spectrum of bactericidal activity against eight different types of microbial pathogens, such as Escherichia coli ( E. coli ), Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa ), Klebsiella pneumoniae ( K. pneumoniae ), Enterococcus faecalis ( E. faecalis ), Shigella flexneri ( S. flexneri ), Salmonella typhimurium ( S. typhimurium ), Proteus vulgaris ( P. vulgaris ), and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). K. pneumoniae showed the least strain sensitivity to CuO NPs, whereas E. coli and E. faecalis are more sensitive [ 30 ]. The inhibitory effect of porous Cu towards Bacillus atrophaeus ( B. atrophaeus ) is greatly enhanced by a thin Ag surface coating. Several studies have highlighted that metal-ionic antibacterial agent incorporated PP polymer generates weak bacteriostatic effect towards Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains (Table 1 ). But in this work, PP modified with oval-shaped Cu-TiO 2 NPs demonstrated strong bactericidal effect (≥ 3log 10 CFU/mL reduction) towards S. aureus and E. coli . In the literature, a mixture of Cu and Ag ions demonstrates a strong synergistic bactericidal effect against P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii ( A. baumannii ) and antagonistic effect against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ( S. maltophilia ) [ 31 ]. The Ag/Cu porous material was discovered to release Ag + and Cu 2+ at a concentration capable of rendering an antibacterial efficacy [ 32 ]. The mixture of [Zn]/[Fe] metal oxide NPs with weight proportion higher than 1:1 exhibited an improved colonial inhibition effect on Gram-positive S. aureus and, to a slighter extent, on Gram-negative E. coli . The electrostatic attraction and penetration of metal oxide ions and free radicals of [Zn]/[Fe] NPs, is fully responsible for microbial cell death [ 33 ]. However, investigations regarding the synergistic impact and potential bactericidal mechanism of dual inorganic metal oxides, such as Cu-TiO 2 , remain inadequately elucidated. It is postulated that the combined action of Cu-TiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) exerts a more potent bactericidal effect than the mere sum of their individual actions. This heightened efficacy can be attributed to the direct attraction and penetration of copper NPs, coupled with the ROS generation by photocatalytic TiO 2 NPs, directed towards bacterial cell membranes. Moreover, the incorporation of Cu-TiO 2 NPs into a polypropylene (PP) matrix has been observed to confer long-lasting antibacterial properties, ensuring their sustained effectiveness over time. The gradual and controlled release of copper ions from the composite material guarantees a continuous supply of antibacterial agents to the surrounding environment. Given the escalating concern surrounding the development of antibiotic resistance with conventional antibacterial agents, Cu-TiO 2 NPs present a promising solution. They employ multiple mechanisms of action, rendering it challenging for microorganisms to develop resistance. As a result, the current study aims to investigate the structural characteristics of Cu-TiO 2 -PP composites and evaluate the biocidal activity of Cu-TiO 2 particles within the PP matrix against E. coli and S. aureus . Table 1 Antibacterial activity of inorganic oxides incorporated into PP polymers. Biocide Killing efficacy Postulated killing mechanism Application Refs Cu 2 O Reduction growth %: S. aureus (88%) > E. coli (87%) > C. albicans (85%) Release copper ions Textile industry [ 4 ] Cu-N-doped TiO 2 CFUs: E. coli (81%), S. aureus (98%) and MRSA (97%) Release of ROS Biomedical [ 5 ] ZnO Viability: E. coli : 71% and S. aureus : 66% Nil Urinary stent [ 6 ] ZnO Reduction gowth %: E. coli (99.9%) Active oxygen species Antibacterial [ 7 ] ZnO Reduction gowth %: E. coli (99.9%) Nil Active food packaging [ 8 ] TiO 2 CFU/mL: S. aureus (7 x 10 6 ) and E. coli (8 x 10 6 ) OH, radicals and ROS Antibacterial [ 9 ] CuO CFU/mL: S. aureus (< 10), E. coli (< 10) and C. albicans ( 99%) and E. coli (> 99%) Electrostatic adhesion and ROS Antibacterial [ 11 ] ZnO Reduction growth %: S. aureus (99.5%) and E. coli (99.9%) Electrostatic adhesion and ROS Photodegradation and antimicrobial [ 12 ] ZnO ISO 20743: antibacterial activity index > 3-strong for S. aureus , E. coli and K. pneumoniae Nil Antibacterial [ 13 ] Table 1 Antibacterial activity of inorganic oxides incorporated into PP polymers (continued). Biocide Killing efficacy Postulated killing mechanism Application Refs Nd-doped TiO 2 Antibacterial rate: 94.75% Nil Antibacterial [ 14 ] TiO 2 Sharp reduction of E. coli CFU/mL Generated-OH radicals Antibacterial [ 15 ] ZnO Reduction of E. coli colonies: 99%) Nil Antibacterial [ 18 ] CuO Reduction in E. coli colonies: >log3 Release copper ions Antibacterial [ 19 ] Se ZOI: S. aureus : 20.9 mm, B. cereus : 22.7 mm, E. coli : 23.2 mm and P. aeruginosa : 11.3 mm Release of ions, ROS generation and attachment of NPs Multifunctional fabrics [ 20 ] Ag 100% biocide activity against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus Release of silver ions Biocidal [ 21 ] ZnO-CA-THY Antibacterial rate: S. aureus (95%) and E. coli (90%) Release of zinc ions and hydrogen peroxide Antibacterial [ 22 ] M-T-ZnOw@Ag Antibacterial rate: E. coli (100%) and S. aureus (100%) Release of silver and zinc ions, electrostatic interactions, and ROS Antistatic and antibacterial [ 23 ] Cu-TiO 2 Sharp ≥ 3log 10 reduction CFU/mL of E. coli and S. aureus (99.9%) after day 3 Steady and slow release of copper ions and ROS Antibacterial “ This work ” 2 Experimental 2.1 Materials In this work, Cu-TiO 2 particles were synthesized by soft-chemical hydrothermal technique using copper (II) nitrate hemi(pentahydrate), titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP; 97%, Sigma Aldrich), and 2-propanol (99.8%, Merck) as main precursors. Mueller-Hinton broth (110293, Merck) and Mueller-Hinton agar (105437, Merck) growth medium were used to culture bacterial isolates (i. e., E. coli and S. aureus ). 2.2 Processing Methods 2.2.1 Synthesis of Cu-TiO 2 NPs A mixture of TTIP and 2-propanol was added dropwise into the mixture of deionized (DI) water and propanol with vigorous agitation for 2 h. Simultaneously, specific concentration of copper (II) nitrate (Cu(NO 3 ) 2 ) solution was put on dropwise to the mixture. The solutions were positioned in a Teflon-lined stainless-steel autoclave at heating temperature of 150°C for 6 h. Henceforth, the compound was further cooled under room temperature. Subsequently, the final sample was washed and next desiccated at 100°C to obtain nanopowders. 2.2.2 Fabrication of Cu-TiO 2 -PP Nanocomposites The Cu-TiO 2 particles were desiccated in a vacuum oven at heating temperature of 80°C for 1 h and then kept in desiccators prior to mixing process. The Cu-TiO 2 -PP composites with 3 wt. % compatibiliser (PP-g-MAH) and 4 wt. % coloring agent were produced in a Haake internal mixer with rotor speed of 50 rpm at 175°C for 10 min. PP-g-MAH was added at a fixed content of 3 wt. % into the mixing chamber together with PP. After 5 min, Cu-TiO 2 particles and coloring agent were added and continued over a period of 10 min. After which, the mixture was discharged from the internal mixer. The discharged Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposites were then reduced into small pieces using a crusher. After which, the Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposites were compressed and molded into a (150 × 120 × 1 mm 3 ) sheet via compression molding machine (GT-7014-A30C). Hot press procedures involving preheating the charge of Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposites at the same temperature of melt mixing process were conducted for 6 min, then subsequent compression for 3 min under 1000 psi. Thenceforward, the hot films of Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposites were cooled under the same pressure of 1000 psi with aid of cold water flushing for 3 min. Eventually, Wallace die cutter model: S6/1/6.A (Wallace Instruments Inc., England) was used to cut the molded sheet specimens into shape of dumbbell for mechanical testing. Finally, the compressed sheets were cut into rectangular shapes (1 cm × 1 cm) for XRD test and 1/2-inch diameter circular shapes for antibacterial studies. 2.3 Characterization 2.3.1 Structural Analysis The crystallite structure, phases and element’s compositions of PP and Cu-TiO 2 -PP were studied by the X-ray diffractometer (Bruker D8) under Cu Kα radiation (40 kV, 30 mA) diffracted beam monochromator with λ = 1.54056 Å in the range of 10° to 90°. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM; FESEM, SUPRA 35VP ZEISS) was applied for the morphology and microstructure observation of the powders and Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposites, respectively. Prior to microstructure observation, gold was deposited on the cryogenic fracture surfaces of the samples. Subsequently, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used for detailed elemental analysis of Cu-TiO 2 powders. The morphology of treated and untreated bacteria cells was studied under Transmission Electron Microscopes (EF-TEM, Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH, Jena, Germany). 2.3.2 Mechanical Testing Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, and maximum strain of dumbbell specimens were successfully measured according to ASTM D 638-08 via an Intron machine Model: 3366 at a constant head-speed of 5 mm/min and room temperature [ 34 , 35 ]. The results of each specimen were obtained from an average of five specimens. 2.3.3 Thermal Analysis Crystallization and melting behavior of nanocomposite were obtained by the Differential Scanning Calorimeter (Perkin Elmer DSC 6). Approximately 10–15 mg of each specimen was scanned from room temperature to 200°C in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen (N 2 ) at flow rate of 50 ml/min and a heating rate of 20°C/min. The enthalpy of fusion (∆H) and the melting temperature (T m ) of the nanocomposite were successfully determined. Relative crystallinity was calculated from the enthalpy value, (∆H) which for theoretically 100% crystalline PP, is taken as 209 J/g [ 36 ]. The relative crystallinity was calculated according to Eq. 1 [ 37 ]. \(\left(1-\lambda \right)\%= \frac{\varDelta {H}_{f}}{\varDelta {H}_{f\left(100\%\right) }^{^\circ }.w} x 100\) - Eq. 1 where w is the weight fraction of nanoparticles or polymer matrix in nanocomposite, ∆H f is the apparent enthalpy of melting of nanoparticles or polymer matrix, and ∆H ° f(100%) is the extrapolated value of the enthalpy corresponding to the melting of 100% crystalline PP sample. 2.3.4 Antibacterial Testing Antibacterial activities of Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposites were investigated using E. coli and S. aureus . In brief, the bacteria were cultured in Mueller-Hinton broth at 37°C on an orbital shaking incubator (brand) at 100 rpm for 18 h. To assess the antibacterial activities of these samples, test discs (1/2 inch in diameter) were placed in sterilized 24-wellplates under aseptic conditions. Bacteria solution (1.5 ml; adjusted to 1.5x10 8 CFU/mL) was pipetted onto each test disc in the well plates. Well plates containing the test disc with inoculated bacteria were incubated in an orbital shaking incubator at 37°C at 100 rpm for 24, 36, 72, and 96 h. After incubation, the test discs were taken out and then were rinsed three times with PBS solution. The test discs were placed in new sterilized 24-well plate under aseptic conditions to ensure the elimination of non-adherent bacterial cells. PBS solution (1.5 ml) was pipetted onto each test disc in the well plate. Well plates containing the test disc with PBS solution were incubated in an orbital shaking incubator at 37°C at 200 rpm for 10 min intervals for 1 h. After incubation, 100 µl of solution was drawn from each sampling and was plated onto Mueller-Hinton agar for recovery of undamaged bacterial cells. Three replicate plates were used for each solution. The plates were incubated for 24 h at 37°C, and the colony-forming units per ml (CFU/mL) were then calculated. 3 Results and Discussion 3.1 Synthesis and Characterization of Cu-TiO 2 -PP Nanocomposites 3.1.1 TEM Morphology of Cu-TiO 2 The TEM Fig. 1 a reveals the synthesized Cu-TiO 2 powders are oval, which are 35 nm in length and 20 nm in diameter. Visibly, Cu are doped into the structure of TiO 2 without agglomeration. This morphology could further improve the available specific surface area (SSA) for antibacterial performance. The EDS profile of the synthesized Cu-TiO 2 powders confirms the presence of copper, titanium, and oxygen in the specimen (Fig. 1 b). 3.1.2 Crystal Structure of Cu-TiO 2 The X-ray diffraction pattern of the Cu-TiO 2 powder is shown in Fig. 2 . Eight characteristic peaks of TiO 2 were observed at 25.53°, 38.14°, 48.02°, 54.86°, 63.06°, 70.11°, 75.28°, and 82.57°, which correspond to crystal the surfaces (101), (004), (200), (211), (204), (116), (215),) and (224) of anatase. Two characteristic peaks of brookite phase were detected at 31.15° and 42.31°. Cu-TiO 2 has the following lattice parameters: a = 3.77700, b = 3.77700, c = 3.77700, α = 90°, β = 90°, γ = 90°, and space group and number of unit cell = I41/amd (141). The particles have tetragonal crystalline structure. The crystallites corresponding to the (101) peak are 25.53 nm in size. The XRD peaks of Cu-TiO 2 nanopowder corroborates the presence of pure TiO 2 . The existence of Cu was not detected probably due to the amorphous nature or has been doped within the TiO 2 lattice. These findings are in complete agreement with TEM result (Fig. 1 a). Any additional impurities were not detected in the XRD profile. 3.1.3 Microstructure of Cu-TiO 2 -PP Nanocomposites with Different Cu-TiO 2 Concentration The SEM images in Fig. 3 show the morphology of produced Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposites with different weight percentages of synthesized Cu-TiO 2 particles (1, 3, 5, and 7 wt. %). At low Cu-TiO 2 concentration (1 to 3 wt. %), fine, uniform dispersion, and better encapsulation of Cu-TiO 2 were observed in the entire PP matrix (Figs. 3 a-b). Only a few voids or pores were observed at the tensile-fracture surface of the Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposite. However, beyond 5 wt. % of Cu-TiO 2 , brittle fracture surface and agglomeration of NPs was clearly observed in PP matrix (Figs. 3 c-d). A brittle fracture surface of PP nanocomposites with high Cu-TiO 2 NPs loading typically exhibits distinct characteristics that indicate the lack of significant plastic deformation prior to failure. This type of fracture is often associated with materials that have limited ductility and low energy absorption capacity. High-concentrated PP nanocomposite samples (5 to 7 wt. %) exhibited smooth and shiny appearance, distinct grain boundaries and clean break which indicating the material did not undergo significant plastic deformation or lack of necking before breaking (inset in Fig. 3 d). Besides, failure of high-concentrated PP nanocomposite samples was unpredictable since lack of warning signs before breaking. 3.1.4 Crystal Structure of Cu-TiO 2 -PP Nanocomposites The crystal structures of the PP nanocomposites with different concentrations of Cu-TiO 2 are shown in Fig. 4 . Peak intensity is severely decreased with higher amounts of Cu-TiO 2, signifying that the percentage of crystallinity is comparatively lower in Cu-TiO 2 -PP than in pure PP. Evidently, Cu-TiO 2 NPs positively hinder the crystallization in PP nanocomposite at higher concentration of NPs. Strong surface interaction and non-uniform distribution of nanosized Cu-TiO 2 in PP polymer could inhibit the nucleation process during crystallization. Results indicate that small-sized Cu-TiO 2 powder greatly decreases the mobility of the polymer-chain segments during the crystallization period. As a result, crystallization is hindered, and the degree of crystallinity may be lower compared to the pure PP polymer as witnessed in Fig. 4 . The peaks associated to Cu and TiO 2 were not observed in the PP nanocomposite. These results indicate that Cu-TiO 2 particles are possibly completely exfoliated and distributed well in the structure of PP matrix [ 38 , 39 ]. These findings are in complete agreement with SEM result (Fig. 3 ). 3.1.5 Mechanical Properties of Cu-TiO 2 -PP Nanocomposites Table 2 presents the summary of average tensile modulus, tensile strength, and tensile strain of Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposite with 3 wt. % PP-g-MAH as a function of weight percentage of synthesized Cu-TiO 2 powders. As observed in Fig. 5 , the maximum strain of PP nanocomposite proportionally decreased with increasing Cu-TiO 2 content. This may be attributed to the high agglomeration of Cu-TiO 2 , resulting in poor interfacial adhesion and encapsulation of Cu-TiO 2 within PP matrix. Necking behavior/plastic deformation of PP nanocomposites was not observed during tensile testing. The absence of necking behavior may be associated with the disruption of crystalline region, which affects the slipping mechanism within the crystalline region in PP, thereby restricting the plastic deformation. This finding indicates that brittle fracture is prominent at high Cu-TiO 2 concentrations. This brittle fracture surface of PP nanocomposites with high Cu-TiO 2 concentrations typically exhibits distinct characteristics such as smooth and shiny fracture surface, non-visible deformation bands and straight fracture path that indicate the lack of significant plastic deformation prior to failure. This type of fracture is often associated with materials that have limited ductility and low energy absorption capacity. Modulus/stiffness proportionally increased with addition of Cu-TiO 2 from 1 wt. % to 5 wt. % but decreases with 7 wt. % of Cu-TiO 2 content due to the high agglomeration of the oxides in the PP matrix. Tensile strength is almost constant in the entire PP nanocomposite. Table 2 Tensile properties of Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposites as a function of weight percentage of synthesized 0.4M-Cu-TiO 2 powders. No. Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposite Cu-TiO 2 (wt %) Average Tensile Strength, σ (MPa) Average Young’s Modulus, E (MPa) Average Max. Strain, ε (%) 1 Cu-TiO 2 -1 1 27 ± 0.38 824 ± 17.01 12.2 ± 0.98 2 Cu-TiO 2 -3 3 27 ± 0.53 1154 ± 22.90 10.2 ± 0.42 3 Cu-TiO 2 -5 5 27 ± 0.66 1184 ± 11.53 9.5 ± 0.54 4 Cu-TiO 2 -7 7 27 ± 0.50 891 ± 27.17 8.7 ± 0.39 3.1.6 Thermal and Crystallization Behavior of Cu-TiO 2 -PP Nanocomposites The data from DSC analyses of Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposites with different concentrations of Cu-TiO 2 are captured in Table 3 and Fig. 6 . The melting temperature ( T m ) of pure PP at 164.48°C has not significantly changed with increasing Cu-TiO 2 wt. %. However, the crystallinity percentage of PP nanocomposite is reduced with the increase of Cu-TiO 2 in the PP matrix. The reduction in crystallinity percentage of a polypropylene (PP) nanocomposite with the increase of Cu-TiO 2 nanoparticles in the PP matrix can be attributed to several factors such as hinderance of nucleation process, polymer’s chain mobility restriction and disruption, surface interaction, distribution and agglomeration of nanoparticles, and effect of thermal conductivity related to the presence and behavior of the nanoparticles within the polymer matrix. These factors interfere with the polymer's ability to crystallize and form well-ordered crystalline regions. As observed in Supplementary Fig. 1, Cu-TiO 2 particles are packed in the interstitial spaces of the PP structure, which prevents the 3D growth of crystallite structure. Furthermore, more interstitial space of the polymer would be filled with Cu-TiO 2 particles when Cu-TiO 2 content increases from 1wt. % to 7 wt. %. Table 3 DSC results of Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposites with different concentrations of synthesized 0.4M Cu-TiO 2 . No. Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposites Cu-TiO 2 (wt %) Tm ( 0 C) ∆H f (J/g) Crystallinity (%) 1 Cu-TiO 2 -1 1 163.78 50.98 25.63 2 Cu-TiO 2 -3 3 163.87 40.32 20.63 3 Cu-TiO 2 -5 5 164.10 38.04 19.85 4 Cu-TiO 2 -7 7 163.42 34.17 18.15 3.1.7 Antibacterial Properties of Cu-TiO 2 -PP Nanocomposite with Different Weight Percentage against E. coli Supplementary Fig. 2 reveals the colony counts of E. coli with PP nanocomposites containing 1–7 wt. % Cu-TiO 2 . The antibacterial efficiency of Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposite increased with the increase of Cu-TiO 2 content. Samples with ≥ 5 wt. % Cu-TiO 2 exhibited strong antibacterial activities, which is associated with the formation of a continuous network of dual Cu-TiO 2 particles in the PP matrix. This physical change may facilitate the migration of Cu 2+ as well as the release of OH − and O 2− from the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 . From a kinetic point of view, the oxidation Cu can be accelerated in the presence of the photocatalytic radicals •O 2− and •OH − , leading to the death of microbes. Thus, the rapid decrease in E. coli colony count under 5 and 7 wt. % Cu-TiO 2 is due to the higher rate of oxidation reaction brought about by high amount of Cu-TiO 2 particles present in the sample. Furthermore, the amorphous nature of sample at high Cu-TiO 2 wt. %, facilitates water uptake. Water containing absorbed oxygen molecules disseminates through the polymer network and to the surface structure of Cu NPs. The diffusion hastens the release of Cu 2+ from the polymer matrix, which damages the microbes. Thus, number of surviving microbial colonies can be decreased by controlling the amount of metal ion released in the nanocomposites by: 1) producing amorphous Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposites and 2) using 5 wt. % to 7 wt. % Cu-TiO 2 . However, the transparency and mechanical properties of PP matrix deteriorates at high Cu-TiO 2 content. Therefore, for the following set of experiments, 3 wt.% of Cu-TiO 2 with good transparency was selected to evaluate the incubation time for antibacterial activity. To prove the synergistic destructive effects of Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposites on E. coli strain, TEM analysis was performed. Supplementary Fig. 3 shows the cell’s morphology of E. coli before and after the treatment with Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposite. The smooth and damage-free bacterial cell surfaces indicate that the cells were healthy prior to Cu-TiO 2 -PP treatment. The morphology of E. coli changed after treatment. Four days after treatment, a gap was observed between the outer cytoplasm membrane and cell wall of the E. coli strain, indicating a complete rupture on the cell wall of bacteria, which may be attributed to the released Cu 2+ , •O 2− , and •OH − ions. The released Cu 2+ ions react directly with the outer cell membrane of E. coli bacteria, triggering the cell wall to rupture, increased in permeability, and be disrupted by several hydratases’ enzymes. The interaction also damages Fe-S clusters of proteins, which inactivates or kills the bacteria by alterations the structure and integrity of tightly packed lipopolysaccharide molecules [ 40 , 41 ]. While various hypotheses have been suggested to elucidate the mechanism of the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 NPs, it is widely believed that the initially generated ROS (i. e., •OH − and •O 2− ), on the irradiated TiO 2 NPs are incorporated in the microbial surface [ 15 , 42 ]. The liberated reactive (ROS) then breaks down the proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides (cellulose) of the thin cell wall, directing to the degradation of cell membranes, which can affect the DNA and RNA structures of microorganisms [ 42 ]. This result coincides with the findings of Kim et al. (2005) with silver [ 43 ]. 3.1.8 Antibacterial Properties of Cu-TiO 2 -PP Nanocomposites as a Function of Incubation Time 3.1.8.1 Escherichia coli Cu-TiO 2 -PP has a remarkable antibacterial activity against E. coli strain. The Supplementary Fig. 4 is the evidence for this finding. From the pictogram, there is E. coli attachment on the control pellets (PP alone). The numbers of colonies rise on day 4 for this control item. This is because E. coli has adapted for the PP matrix and starts to propagate from day 3 and grown massively. This shows that PP matrix alone is suitable for the growth of E. coli . Nonetheless Cu-TiO 2 -PP samples demonstrated a strong inhibition of antibacterial activity starting on day 3. There are few numbers of colonies on day 3 and day 4. The contact/exposure time between the test specimen and bacteria is plays a crucial role on this treatment. The initial findings from the previous research work show that CuO, Cu, TiO 2 , and Ag are suitable for E . coli growth [ 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 ]. Synthesized Cu-TiO 2 -PP powders are much more potent in destroying bacteria at a fast rate, which shows that antibacterial effect further rely on the type of copper powder (i. e., ionic form and size). Moreover, Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposite presents higher release rate in a short time, which suggests that the diffusion/ dissolution rate of Cu 2+ from the bulk of the material is much easier for dual antibacterial agent. Cu-TiO 2 -PP samples exerted significant control against E. coli (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Cu-TiO 2 is more effective as antibacterial agent for short term antibacterial application. 3.1.8.2 Staphylococcus aureus Generally, the normal bacteria will undergo several growth phases such as lag/initial phase, log/exponential phase, stationary phase and death phase. During the lag/initial phase the bacterial are metabolically active and will be getting to acclimatize to a new condition begin to prepare for reproduction [ 48 , 49 ]. At the log/ exponential phase, bacterial cells doubling take place and their biomass is increases [ 49 , 50 ]. Once the essential nutrients are depleted and metabolic by products is accumulated in the media, the bacterial augmentation is restrained during stationary phase. Ultimately, death phase is attained where the bacterial cells are undergone exponential decrease in number of viable cells [ 48 , 49 ]. This pattern of growth magnificently can observe in S. aureus treated with control (PP alone) sample as in Supplementary Fig. 5. Control pellets (PP) have been shown to be a suitable platform for the attachment of S. aureus because S. aureus is preferably grown in typically hydrophobic environments and mostly in stationary- than in exponential-phase cultures [ 51 , 52 ]. Based on Supplementary Fig. 5, the log/exponential-growth phase was seen from day 1 to day 2 and stationary-growth phase was captured on day 2 and day 3. On day 4, growth decreased following the logarithmically declining phase. Cu-TiO 2 -PP is effective against S. aureus and showed the efficient antibacterial activity from day 2 compared to control, which could be ascribed to the fast release of Cu 2+ ions from the Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposite. Cu-TiO 2 -PP exerted effective antibacterial control against S. aureus (p < 0.05). 4. Conclusions Oval-shaped Cu-TiO 2 particles were successfully fabricated using a simple hydrothermal method. PP polymer that incorporated with low-concentration of Cu-TiO 2 particles exhibited good exfoliation and homogeneously-dispersed Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposites with an improved mechanical and thermal profiles. However, findings from these studies indicated that, low crystalline and high-concentration Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposite has significant effect on copper metal ion derivatives release as plausible disinfection mechanism and most promising bactericidal property (≥ 3log 10 CFU/mL reduction) against E. coli and S. aureus . Cu-TiO 2 -PP nanocomposite could be the potential to enhance antibacterial efficacy of materials to overcome transmission related infections. Abbreviations Cu: copper, CuO: copper oxide, TiO 2 : titanium dioxide, ROS: reactive oxygen species, Escherichia coli : E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa : P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae : K. pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis : E. faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus : S . aureus , Nanoparticles: NPs Declarations Authors Contributions G.A.G. carried out the visualization, methodology, characterization, and writing-original draft. S.S. was involved in funding, administration, supervision, validation, review and editing. R.P. had a role in nanoparticle synthesis. K.A.S., M.T.O., P.J.T., and S.G. guides in the microbiological procedures. A.A.T. closely involved in project administration and funding. All authors have given approval to the final version of the manuscript. Acknowledgements The authors wish to express their sincere gratitude to B. Braun Medical Industries Sdn. Bhd for their initial financial support of this research endeavour. In addition, we acknowledge the support received from the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia under the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) with Project Code: FRGS/1/2021/TK0/USM/01/1 for further enhancement of the work. Besides, the valuable assistance provided by the technical staff at the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering (SMMRE) and the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, in the characterization of the samples is greatly appreciated. Funding This research was funded by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia under the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) with Project Code: FRGS/1/2021/TK0/USM/01/1. Data Availability Not applicable. Code Availability Not applicable. Ethical Approval Not applicable. Consent for Publication We, the author of this manuscript, give our consent for the publication of identifiable details of the above-titled manuscript to be published in this journal. Conflict of Interest The authors declare no competing interests. References Franco, D., Calabrese, G., Guglielmino, S. P. P., & Conoci, S. Metal-Based Nanoparticles: Antibacterial Mechanisms and Biomedical Application. Microorganisms . 10(9), 1778 (2022). https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10091778. Govindasamy, G. A., Mydin, R. B. S., Sreekantan, S., & Harun, N. H. Compositions and antimicrobial properties of binary ZnO–CuO nanocomposites encapsulated calcium and carbon from Calotropis gigantea targeted for skin pathogens. 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Bacteriol. 177(23), 6791-6797 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1128/jb.177.23.6791-6797.1995. Reifsteck, F., Wee, S., & Wilkinson, B. J. Hydrophobicity-hydrophilicity of staphylococci. J Med Microbiol. 24(1), 65-73 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1099/00222615-24-1-65. Wang, L., Fan, D., Chen, W., & Terentjev, E. M. Bacterial growth, detachment and cell size control on polyethylene terephthalate surfaces. Sci Rep. 5, 15159 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep15159. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files SupplementalInformationBioNanoScience.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1150219,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEM images of Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-PP nanocomposites with different weight percentages of synthesized 0.4M-Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e particles: (a) Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-1, (b) Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-3, (c) Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-5, and (d) Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-7.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage3.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3833493/v1/7ed83776a36fd8751d91f316.jpeg"},{"id":49330047,"identity":"ab9c44fe-68a0-452e-a9dd-1e83bb3d7d85","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-08 18:46:33","extension":"jpeg","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":193236,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eXRD peaks of (a) pure PP, (b) Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-1, (c) Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-3, (d) Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-5, and (e) Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-7.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage4.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3833493/v1/acc57d5cb062685e44a1a319.jpeg"},{"id":49330043,"identity":"f68faab4-fd11-45a2-b49e-15a700f5d50f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-08 18:46:33","extension":"jpeg","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":114194,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStress-strain curves of Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-PP nanocomposites containing different concentrations of Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e particles: (a) Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-1, (b) Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-3, (c) Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-5, and (d) Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-7.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage5.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3833493/v1/e1fbcd2ee35b33e614fd3e49.jpeg"},{"id":49330045,"identity":"e267070a-13c7-456f-8dd3-4644bc8cb604","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-08 18:46:33","extension":"jpeg","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":188173,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelting behavior of Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-1 (a), Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-3 (b), Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-5 (c), and Cu-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-7 (d).\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage6.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3833493/v1/9087e061a3e124a710d01516.jpeg"},{"id":49330755,"identity":"cbde5aa5-a013-47e6-9b40-4d99507b364c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-08 19:10:37","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1229442,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3833493/v1/1fe43bdd-f4ec-470b-9906-82d50aaa717c.pdf"},{"id":49330375,"identity":"5f76509e-b7e4-41d2-a004-2ccdb2912c42","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-01-08 18:54:33","extension":"docx","order_by":2,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":282002,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"SupplementalInformationBioNanoScience.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3833493/v1/4bd8cea9f89a2b5c1210494c.docx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Structural and Bactericidal Properties of Cu-TiO2 Biocides Incorporated in Polypropylene","fulltext":[{"header":"1 Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eLately, many noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) caused by wide-ranging Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have developed a serious health issues and concerns. According to the hospital reviews, most of the noncommunicable diseases effortlessly spread into immuno-compromised patients through polymeric bioimplant medical devices. Commonly, this bioimplant materials, which are embedded inside human veins, favor the breeding and adherence of broad-spectrum bacteria. Alternatively, an ideal antibacterial polymeric nanocomposite with biocidal properties are being fabricated to tackle the issue.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe destructive mechanisms of nanoparticles (NPs) on different microbes involve metal ions release, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), internalization and attachment of NPs, and electrostatic interaction of NPs [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, comprehensive understanding of antibacterial mechanisms is required to improve the efficacy of inorganic oxides in disease treatment. Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e shows the different metal embedded into polypropylene (PP) polymers that have been evaluated for their bactericidal activity alongside their postulated destructive mechanism. Among these, suspensions of Cu and TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e NPs are efficient in tackling a wide range of bacteria. Although most researchers focus on producing antibacterial polymer materials using a single type of inorganic oxides, the bacterial sensitivity to NPs and efficacy of antibacterial polymers differ and depend on the type, size, shape, and amount of inorganic oxides [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e] and the nature of the polymer matrix (amorphous or semicrystalline) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. Also, the antibacterial performance of inorganic bactericidal agents on pathogens are greatly rely on the antibacterial activity of the types of metal oxide NPs and the types of bacteria. Generally, microorganisms have different tolerance or sensitivity against different types of antibacterial material. Some studies have reported the significant improvements of bactericidal efficiencies of inorganic antibacterial agents on microorganisms in multi-ionic systems, such as dual (Ag-Cu, Ag-Zn, and Zn-Cu) and ternary (Ag-Zn-Cu) ionic zeolite, which are incorporated in polyether-type thermoplastic polyurethane matrix [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe polymer matrix embedded with single inorganic oxides also exhibits antibacterial activity on certain types of microorganisms [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. Normally, CuO NPs which was synthesized by aqueous precipitation method, exhibited broad spectrum of bactericidal activity against eight different types of microbial pathogens, such as \u003cem\u003eEscherichia coli\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e), \u003cem\u003ePseudomonas aeruginosa\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eP. aeruginosa\u003c/em\u003e), \u003cem\u003eKlebsiella pneumoniae\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eK. pneumoniae\u003c/em\u003e), \u003cem\u003eEnterococcus faecalis\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eE. faecalis\u003c/em\u003e), \u003cem\u003eShigella flexneri\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eS. flexneri\u003c/em\u003e), \u003cem\u003eSalmonella typhimurium\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eS. typhimurium\u003c/em\u003e), \u003cem\u003eProteus vulgaris\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eP. vulgaris\u003c/em\u003e), and \u003cem\u003eStaphylococcus aureus\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e). \u003cem\u003eK. pneumoniae\u003c/em\u003e showed the least strain sensitivity to CuO NPs, whereas \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. faecalis\u003c/em\u003e are more sensitive [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e]. The inhibitory effect of porous Cu towards \u003cem\u003eBacillus atrophaeus\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eB. atrophaeus\u003c/em\u003e) is greatly enhanced by a thin Ag surface coating. Several studies have highlighted that metal-ionic antibacterial agent incorporated PP polymer generates weak bacteriostatic effect towards Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). But in this work, PP modified with oval-shaped Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e NPs demonstrated strong bactericidal effect (\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3log\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e CFU/mL reduction) towards \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e. In the literature, a mixture of Cu and Ag ions demonstrates a strong synergistic bactericidal effect against \u003cem\u003eP. aeruginosa\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eAcinetobacter baumannii\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eA. baumannii\u003c/em\u003e) and antagonistic effect against \u003cem\u003eStenotrophomonas maltophilia\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eS. maltophilia\u003c/em\u003e) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Ag/Cu porous material was discovered to release Ag\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e and Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e at a concentration capable of rendering an antibacterial efficacy [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e]. The mixture of [Zn]/[Fe] metal oxide NPs with weight proportion higher than 1:1 exhibited an improved colonial inhibition effect on Gram-positive \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e and, to a slighter extent, on Gram-negative \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e. The electrostatic attraction and penetration of metal oxide ions and free radicals of [Zn]/[Fe] NPs, is fully responsible for microbial cell death [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e]. However, investigations regarding the synergistic impact and potential bactericidal mechanism of dual inorganic metal oxides, such as Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, remain inadequately elucidated. It is postulated that the combined action of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanoparticles (NPs) exerts a more potent bactericidal effect than the mere sum of their individual actions. This heightened efficacy can be attributed to the direct attraction and penetration of copper NPs, coupled with the ROS generation by photocatalytic TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e NPs, directed towards bacterial cell membranes. Moreover, the incorporation of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e NPs into a polypropylene (PP) matrix has been observed to confer long-lasting antibacterial properties, ensuring their sustained effectiveness over time. The gradual and controlled release of copper ions from the composite material guarantees a continuous supply of antibacterial agents to the surrounding environment. Given the escalating concern surrounding the development of antibiotic resistance with conventional antibacterial agents, Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e NPs present a promising solution. They employ multiple mechanisms of action, rendering it challenging for microorganisms to develop resistance. As a result, the current study aims to investigate the structural characteristics of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites and evaluate the biocidal activity of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles within the PP matrix against \u003cem\u003eE. coli and S. aureus\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial activity of inorganic oxides incorporated into PP polymers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBiocide\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKilling efficacy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePostulated killing mechanism\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eApplication\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRefs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCu\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003eO\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eReduction growth %: \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e (88%)\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e (87%)\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;\u003cem\u003eC. albicans\u003c/em\u003e (85%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelease copper ions\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTextile industry\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCu-N-doped TiO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCFUs: \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e (81%), \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e (98%) and MRSA (97%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelease of ROS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBiomedical\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eZnO\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eViability: \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e: 71% and \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e: 66%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNil\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrinary stent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eZnO\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eReduction gowth %: \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e (99.9%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eActive oxygen species\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eZnO\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eReduction gowth %: \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e (99.9%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNil\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eActive food packaging\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTiO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCFU/mL: \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e (7 x 10\u003csup\u003e6\u003c/sup\u003e) and \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e (8 x 10\u003csup\u003e6\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOH, radicals and ROS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCuO\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCFU/mL: \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e (\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;10), \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e (\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;10) and \u003cem\u003eC. albicans\u003c/em\u003e (\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;10)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelease copper ions\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntimicrobial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eZnO\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCFU/mL: \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e (\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;99%) and \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e (\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;99%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eElectrostatic adhesion and ROS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eZnO\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eReduction growth %: \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e (99.5%) and \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e (99.9%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eElectrostatic adhesion and ROS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePhotodegradation and antimicrobial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eZnO\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eISO 20743: antibacterial activity index\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;3-strong for \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eK. pneumoniae\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNil\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial activity of inorganic oxides incorporated into PP polymers (continued).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBiocide\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKilling efficacy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePostulated killing mechanism\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eApplication\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRefs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNd-doped TiO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial rate: 94.75%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNil\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTiO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSharp reduction of \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e CFU/mL\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGenerated-OH radicals\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eZnO\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eReduction of \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e colonies: \u0026lt;log2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelease zinc ions\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCu\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial rate: \u003cem\u003eP. aeruginosa\u003c/em\u003e (100%) and \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e (100%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelease copper ions\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntimicrobial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAg/TiO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBiostatic efficiency against \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e (\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;99%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNil\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCuO\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eReduction in \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e colonies: \u0026gt;log3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelease copper ions\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSe\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eZOI: \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e: 20.9 mm, \u003cem\u003eB. cereus\u003c/em\u003e: 22.7 mm, \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e: 23.2 mm and \u003cem\u003eP. aeruginosa\u003c/em\u003e: 11.3 mm\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelease of ions, ROS generation and attachment of NPs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMultifunctional fabrics\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAg\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100% biocide activity against \u003cem\u003eP. aeruginosa\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelease of silver ions\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBiocidal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eZnO-CA-THY\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial rate: \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e (95%) and \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e (90%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelease of zinc ions and hydrogen peroxide\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eM-T-ZnOw@Ag\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial rate: \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e (100%) and \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e (100%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelease of silver and zinc ions, electrostatic interactions, and ROS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntistatic and antibacterial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCu-TiO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSharp\u0026thinsp;\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3log\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e reduction CFU/mL of \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e (99.9%) after day 3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSteady and slow release of copper ions and ROS\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eThis work\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2 Experimental","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1 Materials\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this work, Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles were synthesized by soft-chemical hydrothermal technique using copper (II) nitrate hemi(pentahydrate), titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP; 97%, Sigma Aldrich), and 2-propanol (99.8%, Merck) as main precursors. Mueller-Hinton broth (110293, Merck) and Mueller-Hinton agar (105437, Merck) growth medium were used to culture bacterial isolates (i. e., \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2 Processing Methods\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.1 \u003cem\u003eSynthesis of Cu-TiO\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e \u003cem\u003eNPs\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA mixture of TTIP and 2-propanol was added dropwise into the mixture of deionized (DI) water and propanol with vigorous agitation for 2 h. Simultaneously, specific concentration of copper (II) nitrate (Cu(NO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e)\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) solution was put on dropwise to the mixture. The solutions were positioned in a Teflon-lined stainless-steel autoclave at heating temperature of 150\u0026deg;C for 6 h. Henceforth, the compound was further cooled under room temperature. Subsequently, the final sample was washed and next desiccated at 100\u0026deg;C to obtain nanopowders.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.2 \u003cem\u003eFabrication of Cu-TiO\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cem\u003e-PP Nanocomposites\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles were desiccated in a vacuum oven at heating temperature of 80\u0026deg;C for 1 h and then kept in desiccators prior to mixing process. The Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e -PP composites with 3 wt. % compatibiliser (PP-g-MAH) and 4 wt. % coloring agent were produced in a Haake internal mixer with rotor speed of 50 rpm at 175\u0026deg;C for 10 min. PP-g-MAH was added at a fixed content of 3 wt. % into the mixing chamber together with PP. After 5 min, Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles and coloring agent were added and continued over a period of 10 min. After which, the mixture was discharged from the internal mixer. The discharged Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e -PP nanocomposites were then reduced into small pieces using a crusher. After which, the Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e -PP nanocomposites were compressed and molded into a (150 \u0026times; 120 \u0026times; 1 mm\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e) sheet via compression molding machine (GT-7014-A30C). Hot press procedures involving preheating the charge of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e -PP nanocomposites at the same temperature of melt mixing process were conducted for 6 min, then subsequent compression for 3 min under 1000 psi. Thenceforward, the hot films of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e -PP nanocomposites were cooled under the same pressure of 1000 psi with aid of cold water flushing for 3 min. Eventually, Wallace die cutter model: S6/1/6.A (Wallace Instruments Inc., England) was used to cut the molded sheet specimens into shape of dumbbell for mechanical testing. Finally, the compressed sheets were cut into rectangular shapes (1 cm \u0026times; 1 cm) for XRD test and 1/2-inch diameter circular shapes for antibacterial studies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3 Characterization\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.1 \u003cem\u003eStructural Analysis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe crystallite structure, phases and element\u0026rsquo;s compositions of PP and Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP were studied by the X-ray diffractometer (Bruker D8) under Cu Kα radiation (40 kV, 30 mA) diffracted beam monochromator with λ\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.54056 \u0026Aring; in the range of 10\u0026deg; to 90\u0026deg;. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM; FESEM, SUPRA 35VP ZEISS) was applied for the morphology and microstructure observation of the powders and Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e -PP nanocomposites, respectively. Prior to microstructure observation, gold was deposited on the cryogenic fracture surfaces of the samples. Subsequently, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used for detailed elemental analysis of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e powders. The morphology of treated and untreated bacteria cells was studied under Transmission Electron Microscopes (EF-TEM, Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH, Jena, Germany).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.2 \u003cem\u003eMechanical Testing\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMechanical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, and maximum strain of dumbbell specimens were successfully measured according to ASTM D 638-08 via an Intron machine Model: 3366 at a constant head-speed of 5 mm/min and room temperature [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e]. The results of each specimen were obtained from an average of five specimens.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.3 \u003cem\u003eThermal Analysis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eCrystallization and melting behavior of nanocomposite were obtained by the Differential Scanning Calorimeter (Perkin Elmer DSC 6). Approximately 10\u0026ndash;15 mg of each specimen was scanned from room temperature to 200\u0026deg;C in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen (N\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) at flow rate of 50 ml/min and a heating rate of 20\u0026deg;C/min. The enthalpy of fusion (∆H) and the melting temperature (T\u003csub\u003em\u003c/sub\u003e) of the nanocomposite were successfully determined. Relative crystallinity was calculated from the enthalpy value, (∆H) which for theoretically 100% crystalline PP, is taken as 209 J/g [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e]. The relative crystallinity was calculated according to Eq.\u0026nbsp;1 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cspan class=\"InlineEquation\"\u003e \u003cspan class=\"mathinline\"\u003e\\(\\left(1-\\lambda \\right)\\%= \\frac{\\varDelta {H}_{f}}{\\varDelta {H}_{f\\left(100\\%\\right) }^{^\\circ }.w} x 100\\)\u003c/span\u003e \u003c/span\u003e- Eq.\u0026nbsp;1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ewhere \u003cem\u003ew\u003c/em\u003e is the weight fraction of nanoparticles or polymer matrix in nanocomposite, \u003cem\u003e∆H\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003ef\u003c/sub\u003e is the apparent enthalpy of melting of nanoparticles or polymer matrix, and \u003cem\u003e∆H\u003c/em\u003e\u0026deg;\u003csub\u003ef(100%)\u003c/sub\u003e is the extrapolated value of the enthalpy corresponding to the melting of 100% crystalline PP sample.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.4 \u003cem\u003eAntibacterial Testing\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAntibacterial activities of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposites were investigated using \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e. In brief, the bacteria were cultured in Mueller-Hinton broth at 37\u0026deg;C on an orbital shaking incubator (brand) at 100 rpm for 18 h. To assess the antibacterial activities of these samples, test discs (1/2 inch in diameter) were placed in sterilized 24-wellplates under aseptic conditions. Bacteria solution (1.5 ml; adjusted to 1.5x10\u003csup\u003e8\u003c/sup\u003e CFU/mL) was pipetted onto each test disc in the well plates. Well plates containing the test disc with inoculated bacteria were incubated in an orbital shaking incubator at 37\u0026deg;C at 100 rpm for 24, 36, 72, and 96 h. After incubation, the test discs were taken out and then were rinsed three times with PBS solution. The test discs were placed in new sterilized 24-well plate under aseptic conditions to ensure the elimination of non-adherent bacterial cells. PBS solution (1.5 ml) was pipetted onto each test disc in the well plate. Well plates containing the test disc with PBS solution were incubated in an orbital shaking incubator at 37\u0026deg;C at 200 rpm for 10 min intervals for 1 h. After incubation, 100 \u0026micro;l of solution was drawn from each sampling and was plated onto Mueller-Hinton agar for recovery of undamaged bacterial cells. Three replicate plates were used for each solution. The plates were incubated for 24 h at 37\u0026deg;C, and the colony-forming units per ml (CFU/mL) were then calculated.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3 Results and Discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1 Synthesis and Characterization of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP Nanocomposites\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.1 \u003cem\u003eTEM Morphology of Cu-TiO\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe TEM Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003ea reveals the synthesized Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e powders are oval, which are 35 nm in length and 20 nm in diameter. Visibly, Cu are doped into the structure of TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e without agglomeration. This morphology could further improve the available specific surface area (SSA) for antibacterial performance. The EDS profile of the synthesized Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e powders confirms the presence of copper, titanium, and oxygen in the specimen (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003eb).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.2 \u003cem\u003eCrystal Structure of Cu-TiO\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe X-ray diffraction pattern of the Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e powder is shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. Eight characteristic peaks of TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e were observed at 25.53\u0026deg;, 38.14\u0026deg;, 48.02\u0026deg;, 54.86\u0026deg;, 63.06\u0026deg;, 70.11\u0026deg;, 75.28\u0026deg;, and 82.57\u0026deg;, which correspond to crystal the surfaces (101), (004), (200), (211), (204), (116), (215),) and (224) of anatase. Two characteristic peaks of brookite phase were detected at 31.15\u0026deg; and 42.31\u0026deg;. Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e has the following lattice parameters: a\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.77700, b\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.77700, c\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.77700, α\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;90\u0026deg;, β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;90\u0026deg;, γ\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;90\u0026deg;, and space group and number of unit cell\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;I41/amd (141). The particles have tetragonal crystalline structure. The crystallites corresponding to the (101) peak are 25.53 nm in size. The XRD peaks of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanopowder corroborates the presence of pure TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e. The existence of Cu was not detected probably due to the amorphous nature or has been doped within the TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e lattice. These findings are in complete agreement with TEM result (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003ea). Any additional impurities were not detected in the XRD profile.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003e3.1.3\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eMicrostructure of Cu-TiO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cb\u003e-PP Nanocomposites with Different Cu-TiO\u003c/b\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e \u003cb\u003eConcentration\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe SEM images in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e show the morphology of produced Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposites with different weight percentages of synthesized Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles (1, 3, 5, and 7 wt. %). At low Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e concentration (1 to 3 wt. %), fine, uniform dispersion, and better encapsulation of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e were observed in the entire PP matrix (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003ea-b). Only a few voids or pores were observed at the tensile-fracture surface of the Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposite. However, beyond 5 wt. % of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, brittle fracture surface and agglomeration of NPs was clearly observed in PP matrix (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003ec-d). A brittle fracture surface of PP nanocomposites with high Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e NPs loading typically exhibits distinct characteristics that indicate the lack of significant plastic deformation prior to failure. This type of fracture is often associated with materials that have limited ductility and low energy absorption capacity. High-concentrated PP nanocomposite samples (5 to 7 wt. %) exhibited smooth and shiny appearance, distinct grain boundaries and clean break which indicating the material did not undergo significant plastic deformation or lack of necking before breaking (inset in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003ed). Besides, failure of high-concentrated PP nanocomposite samples was unpredictable since lack of warning signs before breaking.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.4 \u003cem\u003eCrystal Structure of Cu-TiO\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cem\u003e-PP Nanocomposites\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe crystal structures of the PP nanocomposites with different concentrations of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e are shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e. Peak intensity is severely decreased with higher amounts of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2,\u003c/sub\u003e signifying that the percentage of crystallinity is comparatively lower in Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP than in pure PP. Evidently, Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e NPs positively hinder the crystallization in PP nanocomposite at higher concentration of NPs. Strong surface interaction and non-uniform distribution of nanosized Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e in PP polymer could inhibit the nucleation process during crystallization. Results indicate that small-sized Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e powder greatly decreases the mobility of the polymer-chain segments during the crystallization period. As a result, crystallization is hindered, and the degree of crystallinity may be lower compared to the pure PP polymer as witnessed in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e. The peaks associated to Cu and TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e were not observed in the PP nanocomposite. These results indicate that Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles are possibly completely exfoliated and distributed well in the structure of PP matrix [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e]. These findings are in complete agreement with SEM result (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.5 \u003cem\u003eMechanical Properties of Cu-TiO\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cem\u003e-PP Nanocomposites\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e presents the summary of average tensile modulus, tensile strength, and tensile strain of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposite with 3 wt. % PP-g-MAH as a function of weight percentage of synthesized Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e powders. As observed in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, the maximum strain of PP nanocomposite proportionally decreased with increasing Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e content. This may be attributed to the high agglomeration of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, resulting in poor interfacial adhesion and encapsulation of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e within PP matrix. Necking behavior/plastic deformation of PP nanocomposites was not observed during tensile testing. The absence of necking behavior may be associated with the disruption of crystalline region, which affects the slipping mechanism within the crystalline region in PP, thereby restricting the plastic deformation. This finding indicates that brittle fracture is prominent at high Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e concentrations. This brittle fracture surface of PP nanocomposites with high Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e concentrations typically exhibits distinct characteristics such as smooth and shiny fracture surface, non-visible deformation bands and straight fracture path that indicate the lack of significant plastic deformation prior to failure. This type of fracture is often associated with materials that have limited ductility and low energy absorption capacity. Modulus/stiffness proportionally increased with addition of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e from 1 wt. % to 5 wt. % but decreases with 7 wt. % of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e content due to the high agglomeration of the oxides in the PP matrix. Tensile strength is almost constant in the entire PP nanocomposite.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTensile properties of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposites as a function of weight percentage of synthesized 0.4M-Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e powders.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposite\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e (wt %)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAverage\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTensile Strength,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eσ (MPa)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAverage\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYoung\u0026rsquo;s Modulus,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eE (MPa)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAverage\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMax. Strain,\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eε (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e824\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;17.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.98\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1154\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;22.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.2\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.66\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1184\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;11.53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e891\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;27.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.6 \u003cem\u003eThermal and Crystallization Behavior of Cu-TiO\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cem\u003e-PP Nanocomposites\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe data from DSC analyses of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposites with different concentrations of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e are captured in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e and Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e. The melting temperature (\u003cem\u003eT\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003em\u003c/sub\u003e) of pure PP at 164.48\u0026deg;C has not significantly changed with increasing Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e wt. %. However, the crystallinity percentage of PP nanocomposite is reduced with the increase of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e in the PP matrix. The reduction in crystallinity percentage of a polypropylene (PP) nanocomposite with the increase of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanoparticles in the PP matrix can be attributed to several factors such as hinderance of nucleation process, polymer\u0026rsquo;s chain mobility restriction and disruption, surface interaction, distribution and agglomeration of nanoparticles, and effect of thermal conductivity related to the presence and behavior of the nanoparticles within the polymer matrix. These factors interfere with the polymer's ability to crystallize and form well-ordered crystalline regions. As observed in Supplementary Fig.\u0026nbsp;1, Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles are packed in the interstitial spaces of the PP structure, which prevents the 3D growth of crystallite structure. Furthermore, more interstitial space of the polymer would be filled with Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles when Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e content increases from 1wt. % to 7 wt. %.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDSC results of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposites with different concentrations of synthesized 0.4M Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposites\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e (wt %)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTm\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003eC)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e∆H\u003csub\u003ef\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(J/g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCrystallinity (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e163.78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.98\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e163.87\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e164.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e163.42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.7 \u003cem\u003eAntibacterial Properties of Cu-TiO\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cem\u003e-PP Nanocomposite with Different Weight Percentage against E. coli\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSupplementary Fig.\u0026nbsp;2 reveals the colony counts of \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e with PP nanocomposites containing 1\u0026ndash;7 wt. % Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e. The antibacterial efficiency of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposite increased with the increase of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e content. Samples with \u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;5 wt. % Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e exhibited strong antibacterial activities, which is associated with the formation of a continuous network of dual Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles in the PP matrix. This physical change may facilitate the migration of Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e as well as the release of OH\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e and O\u003csup\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e from the photocatalytic activity of TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e. From a kinetic point of view, the oxidation Cu can be accelerated in the presence of the photocatalytic radicals \u0026bull;O\u003csup\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e and \u0026bull;OH\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e, leading to the death of microbes. Thus, the rapid decrease in \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e colony count under 5 and 7 wt. % Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e is due to the higher rate of oxidation reaction brought about by high amount of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles present in the sample. Furthermore, the amorphous nature of sample at high Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e wt. %, facilitates water uptake. Water containing absorbed oxygen molecules disseminates through the polymer network and to the surface structure of Cu NPs. The diffusion hastens the release of Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e from the polymer matrix, which damages the microbes. Thus, number of surviving microbial colonies can be decreased by controlling the amount of metal ion released in the nanocomposites by: 1) producing amorphous Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposites and 2) using 5 wt. % to 7 wt. % Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e. However, the transparency and mechanical properties of PP matrix deteriorates at high Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e content. Therefore, for the following set of experiments, 3 wt.% of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e with good transparency was selected to evaluate the incubation time for antibacterial activity.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo prove the synergistic destructive effects of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposites on \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e strain, TEM analysis was performed. Supplementary Fig.\u0026nbsp;3 shows the cell\u0026rsquo;s morphology of \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e before and after the treatment with Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposite. The smooth and damage-free bacterial cell surfaces indicate that the cells were healthy prior to Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP treatment. The morphology of \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e changed after treatment. Four days after treatment, a gap was observed between the outer cytoplasm membrane and cell wall of the \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e strain, indicating a complete rupture on the cell wall of bacteria, which may be attributed to the released Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e, \u0026bull;O\u003csup\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e, and \u0026bull;OH\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e ions. The released Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e ions react directly with the outer cell membrane of \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e bacteria, triggering the cell wall to rupture, increased in permeability, and be disrupted by several hydratases\u0026rsquo; enzymes. The interaction also damages Fe-S clusters of proteins, which inactivates or kills the bacteria by alterations the structure and integrity of tightly packed lipopolysaccharide molecules [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e]. While various hypotheses have been suggested to elucidate the mechanism of the photocatalytic activity of TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e NPs, it is widely believed that the initially generated ROS (i. e., \u0026bull;OH\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e and \u0026bull;O\u003csup\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e), on the irradiated TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e NPs are incorporated in the microbial surface [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e]. The liberated reactive (ROS) then breaks down the proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides (cellulose) of the thin cell wall, directing to the degradation of cell membranes, which can affect the DNA and RNA structures of microorganisms [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e]. This result coincides with the findings of Kim et al. (2005) with silver [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.8 \u003cem\u003eAntibacterial Properties of Cu-TiO\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cem\u003e-PP Nanocomposites as a Function of Incubation Time\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section4\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.8.1 \u003cem\u003eEscherichia coli\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP has a remarkable antibacterial activity against \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e strain. The Supplementary Fig.\u0026nbsp;4 is the evidence for this finding. From the pictogram, there is \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e attachment on the control pellets (PP alone). The numbers of colonies rise on day 4 for this control item. This is because \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e has adapted for the PP matrix and starts to propagate from day 3 and grown massively. This shows that PP matrix alone is suitable for the growth of \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e. Nonetheless Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP samples demonstrated a strong inhibition of antibacterial activity starting on day 3. There are few numbers of colonies on day 3 and day 4. The contact/exposure time between the test specimen and bacteria is plays a crucial role on this treatment. The initial findings from the previous research work show that CuO, Cu, TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, and Ag are suitable for \u003cem\u003eE\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003ecoli\u003c/em\u003e growth [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e]. Synthesized Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP powders are much more potent in destroying bacteria at a fast rate, which shows that antibacterial effect further rely on the type of copper powder (i. e., ionic form and size). Moreover, Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposite presents higher release rate in a short time, which suggests that the diffusion/ dissolution rate of Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e from the bulk of the material is much easier for dual antibacterial agent. Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP samples exerted significant control against \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). In conclusion, Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e is more effective as antibacterial agent for short term antibacterial application.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section4\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.8.2 \u003cem\u003eStaphylococcus aureus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eGenerally, the normal bacteria will undergo several growth phases such as lag/initial phase, log/exponential phase, stationary phase and death phase. During the lag/initial phase the bacterial are metabolically active and will be getting to acclimatize to a new condition begin to prepare for reproduction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e49\u003c/span\u003e]. At the log/ exponential phase, bacterial cells doubling take place and their biomass is increases [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e49\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e50\u003c/span\u003e]. Once the essential nutrients are depleted and metabolic by products is accumulated in the media, the bacterial augmentation is restrained during stationary phase. Ultimately, death phase is attained where the bacterial cells are undergone exponential decrease in number of viable cells [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e49\u003c/span\u003e]. This pattern of growth magnificently can observe in \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e treated with control (PP alone) sample as in Supplementary Fig.\u0026nbsp;5. Control pellets (PP) have been shown to be a suitable platform for the attachment of \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e because \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e is preferably grown in typically hydrophobic environments and mostly in stationary- than in exponential-phase cultures [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e51\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e52\u003c/span\u003e]. Based on Supplementary Fig.\u0026nbsp;5, the log/exponential-growth phase was seen from day 1 to day 2 and stationary-growth phase was captured on day 2 and day 3. On day 4, growth decreased following the logarithmically declining phase. Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP is effective against \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e and showed the efficient antibacterial activity from day 2 compared to control, which could be ascribed to the fast release of Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e ions from the Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposite. Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP exerted effective antibacterial control against \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Conclusions","content":"\u003cp\u003eOval-shaped Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles were successfully fabricated using a simple hydrothermal method. PP polymer that incorporated with low-concentration of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles exhibited good exfoliation and homogeneously-dispersed Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposites with an improved mechanical and thermal profiles. However, findings from these studies indicated that, low crystalline and high-concentration Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposite has significant effect on copper metal ion derivatives release as plausible disinfection mechanism and most promising bactericidal property (\u0026ge;\u0026thinsp;3log\u003csub\u003e10\u003c/sub\u003e CFU/mL reduction) against \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e. Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP nanocomposite could be the potential to enhance antibacterial efficacy of materials to overcome transmission related infections.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cp\u003eCu: copper, CuO: copper oxide, TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e: titanium dioxide, ROS: reactive oxygen species,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eEscherichia coli\u003c/em\u003e: \u003cem\u003eE. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa\u003c/em\u003e: \u003cem\u003eP. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae\u003c/em\u003e:\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;K. pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis\u003c/em\u003e:\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;E. faecalis,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;Staphylococcus aureus\u003c/em\u003e: S\u003cem\u003e. aureus\u003c/em\u003e, Nanoparticles: NPs\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors Contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eG.A.G. carried out the visualization, methodology, characterization, and writing-original draft. S.S. was involved in funding, administration, supervision, validation, review and editing. R.P. had a role in nanoparticle synthesis. K.A.S., M.T.O., P.J.T., and S.G. guides in the microbiological procedures. A.A.T. closely involved in project administration and funding. All authors have given approval to the final version of the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors wish to express their sincere gratitude to B. Braun Medical Industries Sdn. Bhd for their initial financial support of this research endeavour. In addition, we acknowledge the support received from the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia under the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) with Project Code: FRGS/1/2021/TK0/USM/01/1 for further enhancement of the work. Besides, the valuable assistance provided by the technical staff at the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering (SMMRE) and the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, in the characterization of the samples is greatly appreciated.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research was funded by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia under the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) with Project Code: FRGS/1/2021/TK0/USM/01/1.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Availability\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCode Availability\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical Approval\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for Publication\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe, the author of this manuscript, give our consent for the publication of identifiable details of the above-titled manuscript to be published in this journal.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflict of Interest\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFranco, D., Calabrese, G., Guglielmino, S. 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Bacterial growth, detachment and cell size control on polyethylene terephthalate surfaces. \u003cem\u003eSci Rep.\u003c/em\u003e 5, 15159 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep15159.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Antibacterial agent, Copper, Titanium dioxide, Polypropylene polymer, Structural properties","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3833493/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3833493/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003ePolymer-based appliances are vulnerable to bacterial infections and poses a significant concern in biomedical field. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have been identified as potential sources of infectious diseases, necessitating a comprehensive exploration of innovative materials and strategies to mitigate this issue. Accordingly, this work targeted to determine the effect of 1% and 7% Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e on the antibacterial activity of PP composite against \u003cem\u003eStaphylococcus aureus\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e) and \u003cem\u003eEscherichia coli (E. coli)\u003c/em\u003e. In this work, oval-shaped Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e were fabricated by a hydrothermal method and then incorporated into the PP by internal mixing. Subsequently XRD, TEM, FESEM, and EDS were used to characterize the Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composite. The structural\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003eproperties of PP composite were greatly altered with dispersion of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e. Antibacterial tests demonstrated that the bactericidal efficiency of Cu-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composite on microorganisms greatly improved with metal-ionic systems compared with pure PP. This work throws some new insight in addressing catheter-related blood-stream infection.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Structural and Bactericidal Properties of Cu-TiO2 Biocides Incorporated in Polypropylene","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-01-08 18:46:28","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3833493/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"a00a9a77-4e15-4138-82aa-0358cd27a690","owner":[],"postedDate":"January 8th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-01-08T18:46:30+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-01-08 18:46:28","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-3833493","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-3833493","identity":"rs-3833493","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}