Effect of Compositions and Heat Treatments of Polypropylene/PP-g- MAH/CuO-TiO2 composites on Thermal, Crystallization and Antimicrobial Properties

Effect of Compositions and Heat Treatments of Polypropylene/PP-g- MAH/CuO-TiO2 composites on Thermal, Crystallization and Antimicrobial Properties | 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 Effect of Compositions and Heat Treatments of Polypropylene/PP-g- MAH/CuO-TiO2 composites on Thermal, Crystallization and Antimicrobial Properties G Ambarasan Govindasamy, Srimala Sreekantan, Khairul Arifah Saharudin, and 4 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3988183/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 The leading cause of increased mortality rates is infections from implanted medical devices, with catheters accounting for more than 80% of these infections. Polypropylene (PP) composites with antimicrobial properties were developed by adding binary mixed oxide (CuO-TiO 2 ). The outcomes demonstrated that the spreading and encapsulation of CuO-TiO 2 particles in the PP matrix was much better with incorporation of PP-g-MAH compatibilizer. Matrix crystallinity is affected by addition of compatibilizers, the amount of CuO-TiO 2 , and heat treatments. The synergy effect of CuO-TiO 2 as antimicrobial agents was analyzed. The antibacterial efficacy's reliance on matrix crystallinity is elucidated in relation with various heat treatments, PP-g-MAH compatibilizer, and amount of CuO-TiO 2 . PP made of binary mixed oxides (e.g., CuO and TiO 2 ) and 3 wt% PP-g-MAH that was processed with a low degree of crystallinity increased the material’s capability of effectively rendering plausible antimicrobial species (e.g., •O 2− , •OH − , and Cu 2+ ) with excellent antimicrobial efficacy towards Escherichia coli ( E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). This innovative composite, CuO-TiO 2 -PP, offers new perspectives on managing bloodstream infections associated with catheter use. PP-g-MAH compatibilizer Copper oxide Titanium dioxide Polypropylene polymer Heat treatments Crystallinity Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 1 Introduction In the United States, infections from implanted health care devices are the primary reason of morbidity and death rates; catheters are responsible for over 80% of these infections. In common, Gram-positive, and Gram-negative cause catheter-related diseases within the circulation system. As such, preventive measures must be attempted. Catheters can exhibit antimicrobial properties in several ways, such as incorporating organic and inorganic biocides nanoparticles (NPs) into catheter polymers [ 1 , 2 ], coating biocides NPs on the polymer [ 3 ], biocidal agents immobilization in polymer [ 4 ], and the employments of inherently microbial polymers [ 5 ]. Inorganic metal/metal oxide compounds have emerged in research due to their advantage as antimicrobial agents. Inorganic biocides are strong disinfectants because of their excellent cytocompatibility, physicochemical stability, and remarkable inhibitory effect towards divergent strains (Table 1 ). The dominant factors affecting the antibacterial effectiveness of oxides are size, type, concentration or amount incorporated in the polypropylene (PP) matrix and the processing method of the composite. Selecting an appropriate method for processing metal/metal oxides is necessary to produce polymer composites that possess homogeneous dispersion and a low degree of crystallinity. These desired features are essential to attack various microbes. Reports have focused on single microbial agents and on the antimicrobial efficacy of the particle itself rather than that of the polymer composite. Previously, there has not been a single research work investigating the impact of heat treatment and crystallinity on the antimicrobial activity of PP derived from binary mixed oxides, such as CuO and TiO 2 . Intrinsically, this work emphasizes the fabrication of CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites and explores the biocidal activity of these composites. One possible killing mechanism for antimicrobial efficacy is the generation of metal oxide ions and species of oxygen radicals (ROS) to attack the microbes [ 17 ]. Therefore, the synergistic effect of CuO-TiO 2 embedded PP matrix was investigated using Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). The dependence of the microbiological efficacy on the matrix crystallinity as well as the relationship with the incorporation of compatibilizer, heat treatments, and concentration of antimicrobial agents (CuO-TiO 2 ) are elucidated. Table 1 Effective antimicrobial metal/metal oxides for selected microbes. Microbe Type of NPs in various substrates Exposure time (h) Efficacy Refs Escherichia coli CuO 24 20 mm inhibition zone [ 6 ] CuO in PP 4 > 99.9% ( 80% (1 wt% CuO) [ 8 ] Cu in PP 4 > 90% ( 99.9% (3 wt% Cu) [ 9 ] CuO/TiO 2 in PVAc 4 - [ 10 ] TiO 2 /Sn on glass substrate 5.3 > 99% (9.52 nm p.s.) [ 11 ] TiO 2 /Ag 24 > 99.9% (1.6 µg/ml) [ 12 ] Cu 2 O-TiO 2 /rGO in PVA 24 8.75 mm inhibition zone [ 13 ] ZnO/CuO in Cs 3 > 99.9% ((CFU/mL) [ 14 ] Staphylococcus aureus CuO 4 > 99% (1000µg/ml) [ 15 ] CuO 24 22 mm inhibition zone [ 6 ] CuO/TiO 2 in PVAc 4 - [ 10 ] Cu in PE 4 > 99.9% (3 wt% Cu) [ 9 ] TiO 2 /Sn on glass substrate 6 > 99% (9.62 nm p.s.) [ 11 ] Cu 2 O-TiO 2 /rGO in PVA 24 10 mm inhibition zone [ 13 ] TiO 2 /Ag on Si catheter 1.5 > 90% (10 nm p.s.) [ 16 ] Cu-Doped Anatase TiO 2 on glass 4 > 99.9% (CFU/mL) [ 17 ] ZnO/CuO in Cs 24 > 99.9% (CFU/mL) [ 14 ] Cu/N-doped TiO 2 on glass 24 - [ 18 ] Copper-doped TiO 2 in CMC - - [ 19 ] CuO/TiO 2 in HA - - [ 20 ] 2 Experimental methodology 2.1. Materials and fabrication of PP composites Mixtures of commercial binary metal oxide powders were prepared by grinding [1 wt% CuO powder (particle size, < 5 µm; Sigma Aldrich) + 0.1 wt% TiO 2 (particle size, 25 nm; Sigma Aldrich) + isopropanol] by using an agate mortar and subsequently dried at 100°C. PP (melt flow rate, 10 g/10 min at 230°C; density, 907 kg/m 3 ) together with binary mixed oxides were blended in an internal compounding machine at 50 rpm for 10 min. Two different sequences were used for the integration of the PP-g-MAH compatibilizer (Fusabond 613; HH Saintifik Enterprise) and the processing temperature was set at 185°C. The first sequence was denoted as ( m0-PP, m5-MO, m7-C ) and the second sequence was denoted as ( m0-PP + C, m5-MO ). For the first sequence, the compatibilizer was added toward the final stage of mixing for 7 min, whereas the compatibilizer was added together with the PP for the second sequence. After 10 min, the mixture from the internal mixer was discharged. The CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites were then crushed into small pieces. Rectangular specimens were created by compressing and molding the small CuO-TiO 2 -PP composite pieces (dimensions,150 mm × 120 mm × 1 mm) via Go Tech compression molding equipment. The hot press event comprised preheating the charge of the binary mixed oxide PP (CuO-TiO 2 -PP) composites for 6 min at the similar temperature as the melt mixing process, and then compressing the material for 3 min at 1000 psi. After 3 mins of flushing the press with cold water, the hot films of the CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites were cooled at the same pressure. Next, using a Wallace die cutter, the molded samples were cut into dumbbell shapes. The compressed sheets were cut into circular shapes (diameter, 0.5 in) by using a puncher. The development of binary mixed oxide PP (CuO-TiO 2 -PP) composites is depicted in the schematic diagram (Fig. 1 ). Different cooling rates were used to create four distinct levels of crystallinity in the sample. The processing temperature for this group of quenched samples was 175°C. Slow cooling overnight, cooling via water circulation in the press, quenching in warm water at 30°C, and quenching in liquid nitrogen are indicated by the symbols SCON, CP, QWW, and QLN, respectively. PP composites (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt% CuO-TiO 2 ) were prepared at 175°C for 10 min at a speed of 50 rpm to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy against Gram-positive E. coli . In subsequent, a selected composition was used to temporally study the antimicrobial efficacy of CuO-TiO 2 -PP towards E. coli and S. aureus for up to 4 days. 2.2. Characterization 2.2.1. Morphological examination The microstructure of the commercial CuO-TiO 2 particles and CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites were assessed using a field emission SEM (SUPRA 35VP ZEISS). The composite samples' cryogenic fracture surfaces were covered in gold before they underwent microstructure analysis. Semi-quantitative analysis of commercial CuO-TiO 2 particles was executed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. 2.2.2. X-ray diffraction analysis The XRD Bruker D8 powder diffractometer was utilized to investigate the crystal phases of the CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites. This study was carried out at 40 kV and 30 mA under reflection mode of Cu Kα radiation at 1.5406 Å wavelengths. Using step size of 0.030°, the composite samples were examined at intervals of 2θ between 10° and 90°. 2.2.3. Thermal analysis Perkin Elmer DSC 6 was employed to examine the composite's melting and crystallization behavior. Each CuO-TiO 2 -PP sample, which weighed roughly 10–15 mg, was heated at a rate of 20°C per min to 200°C in an inert N 2 atmosphere with flow rate of 50 ml/min. For the composite, the enthalpy of fusion (∆ H f ) and the melting temperature (Tm) were measured. Based on ∆ H , the relative crystallinity was computed, and 209 J/g was the parameter value for 100% crystalline PP [ 21 ]. Eq. 1 [ 22 ] was utilized to compute the relative crystallinity. \(\left(1-\lambda \right)\%= \frac{\varDelta {H}_{f}}{\varDelta {H}_{f100\% }^{^\circ }.w}x 100\) Eq. 1 w = weight fraction of the filler or matrix in blends ∆H f = apparent enthalpy of melting of the filler or matrix ∆H o f100% = extrapolated value of the enthalpy corresponding to the melting of 100% crystalline sample (209 J/g for PP) 2.2.4. Microbiological testing The biological activities of CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites were determined using the strain of S. aureus (ATCC 25923) and E. coli (ATCC 25922); the control sample for this experiment was PP alone. Mueller-Hinton broth was employed to cultivate the bacteria, and they were kept at 37°C and spinning at 100 rpm for 18 h in shaking incubator. To evaluate the bactericidal effect of CuO-TiO 2 -PP, circular test discs (diameter, 0.5 in) were carefully set in sterilized 24-well plates at aseptic conditions. Next, each test disc in the well-plate was pipetted with 1.5 ml of the bacteria solution, which had been adjusted to 1.5×10 8 CFU/ml. In an orbital shaking incubator, plates containing the test disc containing the inoculated strains were incubated for 24, 36, 72, and 96 h at 37°C and 100 rpm. After the respective incubations, the circular test disks from 24-well plates were taken using sterile forceps and rinsed thrice with PBS. To get rid of bacteria’s cells that do not adhere to surfaces, the circular test discs were aseptically inserted into freshly sterilized 24-well plates. After that, 1.5 ml of PBS was pipetted into each test disc sample in the well plate. For 40 min, plates with the circular test disc and PBS were shaken in an incubator at 400 rpm and 37°C. Following the incubation period, 100 µl of the solution was extracted at every test sampling, and then plated onto Mueller Hinton-prepared agar to recover unharmed microbes. For every sample, three duplicate plates were utilized. After being incubated for 24 h at 37°C, the quantity of colony-forming units (CFU/ml) was ascertained. 3 Results and discussion 3.1. Morphological exploration 3.1.1. SEM morphology of CuO and TiO 2 particles Figure 2 a and 2 b shows the commercial titanium dioxide powder and copper (II) oxide particles. Figure 2 c shows the binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO 2 particles which is used to prepare CuO-TiO 2 -PP composite. The FESEM image shows the CuO particles are flaky in shape with size of 5 µm. In contrast, TiO 2 powders are very fine and look like spherical in shape with agglomerated morphology. The size is about 25 nm. Upon mixing, the possibility of dispersing both particles homogeneously within the polymer matrix is a crucial task. The EDS profile of mixed oxide CuO-TiO 2 particles (Fig. 2 d) indicates that the sample contains copper, titanium, and oxygen elements. 3.1.2. SEM morphology of CuO-TiO 2 -PP composite with compatibilizer Figure 3 a displays the representative SEM microstructural images of the CuO-TiO 2 -PP composite that was prepared with ~ 1 wt% CuO-TiO 2 without compatibilizer. The temperature of mixing was fixed to 185 o C and rotor speed was 50 rpm. Fine dispersion of CuO-TiO 2 was observed in specific regions of the PP matrix; other sites were still covered with agglomerated CuO-TiO 2 . CuO-TiO 2 appeared as discrete particles with poor interfacial adhesion within the PP matrix [ 21 , 23 , 24 ]. Particle detachment was noticeable on the fractured surface. The number of free voids or pores increased on tensile fractured surfaces of CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites. The tiny pores within the PP matrix permit the entry of water molecules into CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites [ 23 , 25 , 26 ], which enhances the migration of ions and increased the material’s antibacterial activity. However, the voids within the PP matrix may result in poor mechanical properties of CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites. These voids also imply poor interfacial bonding/connection between the binary CuO-TiO 2 and the semi crystalline PP. The hydrophilic nature of binary mixed oxide particles and their poor compatibility with the hydrophobic PP matrix are the contributing factors for the weak interfacial bonding. Figure 3 b-c displays the representative morphological SEM images of CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites produced with 3 wt% PP-g-MAH by using two different sequences. For the first sequence, a compatibilizer was added towards the final mixing stage (7 min); the sequence was denoted as ( m0-PP, m5-MO, m7-C ). For the 2nd sequence, the compatibilizer was added into the mixing chamber along with the PP; the sequence was denoted as ( m0-PP + C, m5-MO ). CuO-TiO 2 was uniformly distributed without large agglomerations. Not many voids were discovered on the fractured surface of CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites containing the compatibilizer. CuO-TiO 2 also appeared in discrete form because of the short mixing time between PP and binary mixed oxide and PP-g-MAH. Improved dispersion, encapsulation (inset in Fig. 3 c), and interfacial adhesion of CuO-TiO 2 within the PP matrix were obtained when the compatibilizer was introduced in the early mixing stage (0 min). The compatibilizer, which encouraged a favorable chemical reaction between polar and non-polar compounds during the melt mixing process in the internal mixer, was the main reason for this improvement. Figure 4 clarifies a plausible reaction mechanism that occurs during the modification of PP polymer with the integration of PP-g-MAH and metal oxide NPs (CuO-TiO 2 ) via melt blending technique. Initially, the PP polymer chain is bonded with the chemically reactive maleic anhydride ring, which enhances the interfacial adhesion of the PP polymer. Thereafter, the metal oxide particles (i.e., CuO and TiO 2 ) are further interacting with the maleic anhydride ring in long PP chain to form an improved antibacterial Polypropylene/PP-g-MAH/CuO-TiO 2 composites for biomedical application [ 27 ]. Strong interaction and surface adhesion was thus induced between polar binary mixed oxide and non-polar PP matrix. 3.1.3. SEM morphology of different amount of CuO-TiO 2 powder in PP matrix Figure 5 a-f displays representative SEM morphology images of binary mixed oxide PP (CuO-TiO 2 -PP) composites which produced at different content of binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO 2 antimicrobial agent (0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 wt%) with mixing temperature of 175 o C. The concentration of PP-g-MAH compatibilizer is fixed into 3 wt%. It is described that the bactericidal qualities of the PP composite were influenced by the concentration of antimicrobial agent in PP matrix. Besides, the stronger and faster rate of antimicrobial properties of PP composites could be achieved at higher NPs content [ 7 ]. However, the mechanical properties of such PP composite were deteriorated at higher antimicrobial agent loadings [ 7 ]. This might be attributed to the facts of bactericidal agent were highly agglomerated; bactericidal agent was poorly encapsulated within the interior structure of the polymer matrix; formation of higher voids or cavities around agglomerated morphology of bactericidal agent; the composite's weak structure because of the polymer's debonding from the bactericidal agent's surface and bactericidal agent were dispersed non-uniformly within polymer matrix. It is very interesting to note such phenomena were able to be solved in this work. The processing parameter and the compatibilizer used in this work could result in homogeneous microstructure (Fig. 5 ) up to 10 wt% loading. Based on the SEM photographs of the binary mixed oxide PP (CuO-TiO 2 -PP) composites which were processed with 1, 3 & 5 wt% CuO-TiO 2 (Figs. 5 b-d), were well encapsulated deeply into PP matrix and distributed uniformly. The PP composites which produced at higher binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO 2 antimicrobial agent (7–10 wt%) showed little agglomeration at certain region only (Figs. 5 e-f). Overall, the entire sample showed encapsulated nature of the binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO 2 antimicrobial agent with good bonding within binary mixed oxide antimicrobial agent surface and polymer matrix. 3.2. Thermal and crystallization behavior 3.2.1 Thermal and crystallization behavior of compatibilized and non-compatibilized CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites The DSC results of the compatibilized and non-compatibilized CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites samples are captured in Table 2 . Obviously, the addition of a small amount of 1 wt % of binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO 2 antimicrobial agent in PP matrix leads to slight changes on T m and increase the total crystallinity of pure PP. The increased crystallinity for the PP composites with 1 wt % binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO 2 antimicrobial agent are attributed to the role of CuO-TiO 2 antimicrobial agent acting as the site of heterogeneous nucleation [ 27 ]. The process of compatibilization is crucial to optimize surface tension and facilitate interfacial adhesion between the hydrophilic binary mixed oxide (CuO-TiO 2 ) and the hydrophobic PP matrix. Moreover, crystallinity influences water absorption, which in turn affects antimicrobial activity. Consequently, the importance of controlling the degree of crystallinity was examined in the following section. Table 2 DSC findings of PP and CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites with compatibilizer and pure PP without compatibilizer. No. Material T m (°C) ∆H f (J/g) Crystallinity (%) 1 Pure PP without compatibilizer 163.2 69.55 33.28 2 Pure PP with compatibilizer 164.8 68.51 32.78 3 CuO-TiO 2 -PP with compatibilizer 160.64 79.33 40.00 Note: The material contains 3wt% compatibilizer and 1wt% CuO-TiO 2 that was added according to sequence 2 (m0-PP + C, m5-MO). At 0 min of mixing, at 5 min of mixing, Compatibilizer, and Metal Oxide (CuO-TiO 2 ) are denoted by the symbols m0, m5, C, and MO, respectively. 3.2.2 Thermal and crystallization behavior of different-concentrated CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites The DSC analysis was performed on PP composites prepared with different concentrations of binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO 2 antimicrobial agent and the findings are presented in Table 3 . Based on the DSC results, incorporation of binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO 2 antimicrobial agent with different content did not yield a notable change in the T m of PP composite. However, the percentage of crystallinity dropped with increasing amount of antimicrobial agent content in PP matrix up to 10 wt%, accounting for the lower mobility of the PP chain segments at high antimicrobial agent contents. Some agglomeration was found in certain region at higher weight percentage (> 5wt%) of antimicrobial agent addition. This would lower the available heterogeneous nucleation sites for PP crystallization at the interfaces, and sometimes even retard the crystallization rate as well. This phenomenon occurs due to the several competing factors such as prevention of heterogeneous nucleation effect of antimicrobial agent, obstruction on three-dimensional growth of crystal domain or decreased chain diffusion rate. Table 3 DSC analysis results of binary mixed oxide PP (CuO-TiO 2 -PP) composites with different content of binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO 2 antimicrobial agent. No. Material PP composite Wt% of CuO/TiO 2 in PP Tm (°C) ∆H f (J/g) Crystallinity (%) 1 CuO/TiO 2 -1 1 164.88 56.55 28.43 2 CuO/TiO 2 -3 3 164.65 52.87 27.06 3 CuO/TiO 2 -5 5 165.62 46.19 24.11 4 CuO/TiO 2 -7 7 164.20 42.33 22.48 5 CuO/TiO 2 -10 10 164.07 37.33 20.37 The XRD spectrum of the PP composites with distinct quantity of CuO-TiO 2 are presented in Fig. 6 . Dominant diffraction peaks associated with PP and minor peaks of copper oxide at 2θ = 35.25 and 38.430 were observed for entire composites. However, the nano TiO 2 peaks were not observed in the entire samples because the nanoparticles were completely dispersed throughout PP matrix. Most prominently, it was noticed that the peak intensity of pure PP drastically dropped with increasing amount of CuO-TiO 2 . This peak intensity reduction indicates a drastic drop in degree of crystallinity. 3.2.3 Thermal and crystallization behavior of various heat treated CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites To optimize the CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites' antimicrobial capabilities, they underwent several heat treatment processes such as quenching in warm water (QWW) at 30°C, slow cooling overnight (SCON), cooling via water circulation in the press (CP) and quenching in liquid nitrogen (QLN). The processing temperature for this batch of quenched samples was 175°C. Table 4 provides the DSC data for the 4 types of quenched samples to assess the correlation between matrix crystallinity and antibacterial activity. As cooling rate increased, both ∆ H f and the degree of crystallinity decreased; with nitrogen cooling, ∆ H f and melting temperature significantly decreased, resulting in the observation of highly amorphous regions. The results were attributed to the prevention of 3D crystallite growth at fast cooling rates. Apparently, rapid cooling rates caused a delay in crystallization as there is not enough time for the development of three-dimensional crystalline growth of CuO-TiO 2 -PP composite. Table 4 DSC results of various heat-treated CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites. No. Sample CuO-TiO 2 -PP Tm (°C) ∆H f (J/g) Crystallinity (%) 1 Slow Cooling Overnight (SCON) 165.21 65.03 32.68 2 Cold Press (CP) 164.88 56.55 28.43 3 Quenching in Warm Water (QWW) 164.00 56.16 27.23 4 Quenching in Liquid Nitrogen (QLN) 151.66 11.94 6.00 Note: The material contains 1wt% CuO-TiO 2 particles Figure 7 depicts the crystal structure of different types of heat-treated CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites. The degree of crystallization for different treatments followed the order QLN < QWW < CP < SCON. The XRD findings were in agreement with the thermal analysis data, thereby indicating that the respective percentages of crystallinity for QLN, QWW, CP, and SCON were 6.00%, 27.23%, 28.43%, and 32.68%. The intensities of the PP peaks drastically decreased when the hot-pressed samples were subjected to rapid cooling rates, in which highly amorphous regions were observed. Intense diffraction peaks associated with PP and few peaks for copper oxide at 2 θ = 34.70° and 37.95° were observed for the composites. However, the peak intensities of composites quenched in liquid nitrogen after molding were lower than those to room temperature by SCON. The quick cooling rate caused a sharp decrease in crystallinity in the QLN specimens. 3.3. Antimicrobial performance of optimized CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites 3.3.1 Antimicrobial properties of various heat-treated CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites Supplementary Fig. 1 illustrates the antimicrobial efficacies of various heat-treated CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites towards E. coli. Table 4 and supplementary Fig. 1 reveal that crystallinity exhibits a vital function in releasing antimicrobial ions. The sample with the highest crystallinity (SCON) was prone to microbial attacks, whereas the sample with the lowest crystallinity (QLN) was resistant to these attacks. The findings suggested that the processing parameters, which impacted the polymer matrix's crystallinity, had a significant impact on the antimicrobial ions' release. A high degree of crystallinity reduced the release of antimicrobial ions. A semi-crystalline polymer of polypropylene (PP) exhibits a preferential interaction (hydrogen bonding) between absorbed water and the functional groups in the zone of amorphous due to the inability of water to pass through the zone of crystalline. The water penetration barrier substantially reduces the intensity of copper metal ion production and migration from the SCON sample, resulting in low antimicrobial efficacy. On the other hand, samples with more amorphous regions (QLN) allowed the water to permeate the matrix of polymers and reach the surface of CuO NPs, carrying absorbed oxygen molecules. Copper ions are released from the polymer matrix more quickly owing to the diffusion, which effectively targets E. coli . However, for the subsequent section, (CP) treatment was adopted instead of QLN because QLN treated samples were found to be very brittle. 3.3.2. Antimicrobial activity of PP incorporated with various amount of CuO-TiO 2 The antimicrobial efficacies were evaluated for PP composites containing different contents of CuO-TiO 2 particles. Supplementary Fig. 2 illustrates the antimicrobial efficacy of the CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites against E. coli after 24 h. The participation of CuO-TiO 2 markedly reduced the survival of bacteria. In comparison to other samples, the PP composite containing 10 wt% CuO-TiO 2 particles effectively decreased the number of bacteria. The reduction was attributed to the increase in released ions with increasing content of CuO-TiO 2 particles. Furthermore, water uptake in the composites was enhanced by their amorphous nature, which had a high CuO-TiO 2 content (Table 3 ). 3.3.3. Time-dependent antimicrobial action against E. coli E. coli are human pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria that are widely involved in blood stream infections [ 28 ]. To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of CuO-TiO 2 -PP, the rate of survival of E. coli (% viability) was determined. In this section, 3 wt% CuO-TiO 2 was selected due to the translucent appearance of the PP. Supplementary Fig. 3 displays the findings of the antimicrobial characteristics. For the control pellets, the attachment or propagation of E. coli temporally increased and reached its maximum after 4 days. The increase in colony counts in the control pellets was attributed to the PP matrix, which favored the growth of E. coli . PP is characterized as a hydrophobic matrix; E. coli prefers hydrophobic conditions for propagation. CuO-TiO 2 -PP was effective against the bacteria with increasing incubation time especially after 2 days. The low activity in less than two days indicated that water diffusion and the ensuing release of Cu 2+ and free radicals (i.e., •O 2− and •OH − ) were needed to achieve effectiveness. In addition, the E. coli outer cell walls were discovered to be connected to the attacking delay. Research indicates that Gram-negative bacteria demonstrate greater resistance/tolerance to NPs than their Gram-positive counterparts, likely due to the lipopolysaccharide present in their outer membrane [ 29 ]. Gram-negative bacteria are known to possess the cytoplasmic membrane, which is essential for preserving cellular viability. Therefore, free radicals and Cu 2+ do not readily harm Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, longer times and more concentrated ions are needed to break down the bacteria's cell membrane. 3.3.4. Time-dependent antimicrobial action against S. aureus Bloodstream infections caused by S. aureus increase morbidity, mortality, and medical costs; these infections are often avoidable [ 30 , 31 ]. Therefore, CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites were tested for S. aureus. Control pellets (PP matrix) are suitable platform for the attachment of the bacteria (Supplementary Fig. 4). S. aureus are preferably grown in hydrophobic environments. Additionally, the bacteria grow more readily in stationary-phase than in exponential-phase [ 32 ]. The Gram-positive microbes were attached and grown on pellets with common growth patterns, which include exponential growth, stationary, and logarithmic decline phases [ 33 ]. The exponential growth phase was observed from 1 to 2 days, whereas stationary phases were observed from 2 to 3 days (Supplementary Fig. 4); the logarithmic declining phase was observed after 4 days. The CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites were more effective against S. aureus compared with the control samples. The composites showed signs of antimicrobial efficacy starting on day 3. Specifically, the CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites demonstrated significant control over S. aureus (p < 0.05). The significant reduction in S. aureus from 2 to 3 days indicates that Gram-positive microbes are easily attacked by •O 2− , •OH - , or Cu 2+ compared with Gram-negative microbes [ 34 ]. 3.4. Postulated Killing mechanism of CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites Copper is already in the maximal stage of oxidation in CuO; hence, microbes can only be attacked by releasing Cu 2+ . However, the increased release of Cu 2+ in binary mixed oxides as well as the presence of free radicals •O 2− and •OH − were postulated to be advantageous in the CuO-TiO 2 -PP composite (Fig. 8 ). Two possible reaction pathways (reactions 1 and 2; Fig. 8 ) for Cu 2+ release was proposed. In reaction 1, water that has taken up oxygen molecules diffuses to the surface of CuO particles via the polymer matrix. Diffusion accelerates the release of Cu 2+ to assault the microorganisms from the polymer matrix. TiO 2 in the PP composites yield the following photocatalytic reactions: TiO 2 + hν → e − + h + ; e − + O 2 → •O 2− ; h + + H 2 O → •OH − + H + . Bacterial deaths results from the interactions between the organic substances of the pathogens and the derived •O 2− and •OH − [ 17 ]. Moreover, the free radicals from the photocatalytic reaction interact with CuO to initiate reaction 2. In this reaction, the considerably increased release of Cu 2+ in the presence of TiO 2 is possible. Additional Cu 2+ released further enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites [ 17 ]. 4 Conclusion CuO-TiO 2 distribution in the polymer matrix, crystallinity, and water uptake greatly affected the release of antimicrobial species. The incorporation of 3 wt% of compatibilizer (PP-g-MAH) in the fabrication of PP nanocomposites greatly improved the dispersion of CuO-TiO 2 particles. The composites that underwent QLN showed a low crystallinity, which enhanced their ability to absorb water. Additionally, these composites demonstrated a greater ability to decrease the quantity of CFU/ml of S. aureus and E. coli . CuO-TiO 2 -PP composites might exhibit a high abundance of antimicrobial species, including •O 2− , •OH − , and Cu 2+ , which improved its bactericidal effectiveness against both tested pathogens. To fully understand the underlying killing mechanisms, more molecular analysis is needed. CuO-TiO 2 -PP composite biocide materials may improve catheter antimicrobial efficacies to prevent infections associated with catheter use. Declarations Authors Contributions G Ambarasan Govindasamy : Conceptualization; Data curation; Investigation; Methodology; Writing - Original draft. Srimala Sreekantan : Funding acquisition; Resources; Administration; Supervision; Validation; Writing - Review & Editing. Khairul Arifah Saharudin : Investigation. Ming Thong Ong : Investigation. Priscilla Jayanthi Thavamany : Investigation. Geethaa Sahgal : Investigation. Tan Aik Aun : Project administration; Funding acquisition. Acknowledgements In their acknowledgement, the authors express their gratitude to all technical staff from Universiti Sains Malaysia. Also, this work was supported by the B. Braun Medical Industries Sdn Bhd and Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education. Funding This work was supported by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (FRGS/1/2021/TK0/USM/01/1). Data Availability Not applicable. Code Availability Not applicable. Ethical Approval Not applicable. Consent for Publication As the manuscript's authors, we hereby consent to the publication in this journal of any identifiable details related to the manuscript. Conflict of Interest The authors declare no competing interests. References Parcheta M, Sobiesiak M (2023) Preparation and Functionalization of Polymers with Antibacterial Properties-Review of the Recent Developments. Mater (Basel) 16(12):4411. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124411 Corrêa Carvalho G, Miguel Sábio R, Spósito L, De Jesus Andreoli Pinto T, Chorilli M (2022) An overview of the use of central venous catheters impregnated with drugs or with inorganic nanoparticles as a strategy in preventing infections. Int J Pharm 615:121518. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121518 Malhotra A, Chauhan SR, Rahaman M, Tripathi R, Khanuja M, Chauhan A (2023) Phyto-assisted synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles for developing antibiofilm surface coatings on central venous catheters. Front Chem 11:1138333. 10.3389/fchem.2023.1138333 Govindasamy GA, Mydin SMN, Gadaime RB NKR et al (2023) Phytochemicals, Biodegradation, Cytocompatibility and Wound Healing Profiles of Chitosan Film Embedded Green Synthesized Antibacterial ZnO/CuO Nanocomposite. J Polym Environ 31:4393–4409. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-023-02902-1 Carpa R, Remizovschi A, Culda CA, Butiuc-Keul AL (2022) Inherent and Composite Hydrogels as Promising Materials to Limit Antimicrobial Resistance. Gels (Basel) 8(2):70. https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8020070 Azam A, Ahmed AS, Oves M, Khan M, Memic A (2012) Size-dependent antimicrobial properties of CuO nanoparticles against Gram-positive and-negative bacterial strains. Int J Nanomed 7:3527. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S29020 Delgado K, Quijada R, Palma R, Palza H (2011) Polypropylene with embedded copper metal or copper oxide nanoparticles as a novel plastic antimicrobial agent. Lett Appl Microbiol 53:50–54. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1472-765X.2011.03069.x Rodriguez-Llamazares S, Mondaca M, Badilla C, Maldonado A (2012) PVC/copper oxide composites and their effect on bacterial adherence. J Chil Chem Soc 57:1163–1165. http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0717-97072012000200022 Gabbay J, Borkow G, Mishal J, Magen E, Zatcoff R, Shemer-Avni Y (2006) Copper oxide impregnated textiles with potent biocidal activities. J Ind Text 35:323–335. https://doi.org/10.1177/1528083706060785 Hassan MS, Amna T, Kim HY, Khil MS (2013) Enhanced bactericidal effect of novel CuO/TiO 2 composite nanorods and a mechanism thereof. Compos B Eng 45:904–910. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2012.09.009 Sayılkan F, Asiltürk M, Kiraz N, Burunkaya E, Arpaç E, Sayılkan H (2009) Photocatalytic antibacterial performance of Sn 4+ doped TiO 2 thin films on glass substrate. J Hazard Mater 162:1309–1316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.06.043 Zhang H, Chen G (2009) Potent antibacterial activities of Ag/TiO 2 nanocomposite powders synthesized by a one-pot sol – gel method. Environ Sci Technol 43:2905–2910. https://doi.org/10.1021/es803450f Dhanasekar M, Jenefer V, Nambiar RB, Babu SG et al (2018) Ambient light antimicrobial activity of reduced graphene oxide supported metal doped TiO 2 nanoparticles and their PVA based polymer nanocomposite films. Mater Res Bull 97:238–243. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.materresbull.2017.08.056 Govindasamy GA, Mydin RBS, Effendy WNFWE, Sreekantan S (2022) Novel dual-ionic ZnO/CuO embedded in porous chitosan biopolymer for wound dressing application: Physicochemical, bactericidal, cytocompatibility and wound healing profiles. Mater Today Commun 33:104545. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2022.104545 Ren G, Hu D, Cheng EW, Vargas-Reus MA, Reip P, Allaker RP (2009) Characterisation of copper oxide nanoparticles for antimicrobial applications. Int J Antimicrob Agents 33:587–590. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2008.12.004 Yao Y, Ohko Y, Sekiguchi Y, Fujishima A, Kubota Y (2008) Self-sterilization using silicone catheters coated with Ag and TiO 2 nanocomposite thin film. J Biomed Mater Res Part B Appl Biomater 85:453–460. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm.b.30965 Alotaibi AM, Williamson BAD, Sathasivam S et al (2020) Enhanced Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Ability of Cu-Doped Anatase TiO 2 Thin Films: Theory and Experiment. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 12:15348–15361. https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsami.9b22056 Tahmasebizad N, Hamedani MT, Ghazani MS, Pazhuhanfar Y (2020) Photocatalytic activity and antibacterial behavior of TiO 2 coatings co-doped with copper and nitrogen via sol–gel method. J Solgel Sci Technol 93:570–578. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-019-05085-1 Ezati P, Riahi Z, Rhim JW (2022) CMC-based functional film incorporated with copper-doped TiO 2 to prevent banana browning. Food Hydrocoll 122:107104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2021.107104 Imani MM, Kiani M, Rezaei F, Souri R, Safaei M (2021) Optimized synthesis of novel hydroxyapatite/CuO/TiO 2 nanocomposite with high antibacterial activity against oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans . Ceram Int 47(23):33398–33404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.08.246 Fuad M, Hanim H, Zarina R, Ishak Z, Hassan A (2010) Polypropylene/calcium carbonate nanocomposites-effects of processing techniques and maleated polypropylene compatibiliser. EXPRESS Polym Lett 4:611–620. http://dx.doi.org/10.3144/expresspolymlett.2010.76 Al-Rawajfeha AE, Al-Salahb HA, Al-Rhaelc I (2006) Miscibility, Crystallinity and Morphology of Polymer Blends of Polyamide-6/Poly (β-hydroxybutyrate). Jordan j chem 1(2):155–170. https://jjc.yu.edu.jo/index.php/jjc/article/view/362 Santiagoo R, Ismail H, Hussin K (2011) Mechanical Properties, Water Absorption, And Swelling Behaviour Of Rice Husk Powder Filled Polypropylene/Recycled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber (PP/NBRr/RHP) Biocomposites Using Silane As A Coupling Agent. BioResources 6(4):3714–3726 Altan M, Yildirim H, Uysal A (2011) Tensile properties of polypropylene/metal oxide nano composites. Online J Sci Technol 1:25–29 Damm C, Münstedt H, Rösch A (2008) The antimicrobial efficacy of polyamide 6/silver-nano-and microcomposites. Mater Chem Phys 108:61–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2007.09.002 Radheshkumar C, Münstedt H (2005) Morphology and mechanical properties of antimicrobial polyamide/silver composites. Mater Lett 59:1949–1953. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2005.02.033 Mittal V (2012) Crystallinity, mechanical property and oxygen permeability of polypropylene: Effect of processing conditions, nucleating agent and compatibilizer. J Thermoplast Compos Mater 26(10):1407–1423. https://doi.org/10.1177/089270571245274 Handal N, Whitworth J, Nakrem Lyngbakken M, Berdal JE, Dalgard O, Bakken Jørgensen S (2024) Mortality and length of hospital stay after bloodstream infections caused by ESBL-producing compared to non-ESBL-producing E. coli . Infect Dis 56(1):19–31. https://doi.org/10.1080/23744235.2023.2261538 Breijyeh Z, Jubeh B, Karaman R (2020) Resistance of Gram-Negative Bacteria to Current Antibacterial Agents and Approaches to Resolve It. Molecules (Basel) 25(6):1340. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25061340 Garrine M, Costa SS, Messa A Jr, Massora S, Vubil D, Ácacio S, Nhampossa T, Bassat Q, Mandomando I, Couto I (2023) Antimicrobial resistance and clonality of Staphylococcus aureus causing bacteraemia in children admitted to the Manhiça District Hospital, Mozambique, over two decades. Front Microbiol 14:1208131. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1208131 Howden BP, Giulieri SG, Wong F, Lung T et al (2023) Staphylococcus aureus host interactions and adaptation. Nat Rev Microbiol 21:380–395. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-023-00852-y Gonzalez JM, Aranda B (2023) Microbial Growth under Limiting Conditions-Future Perspectives. Microorganisms 11(7):1641. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11071641 Shaw LN, Golonka E, Szmyd G, Foster SJ, Travis J, Potempa J Cytoplasmic control of premature activation of a secreted protease zymogen: deletion of staphostatin B (SspC) in Staphylococcus aureus 8325-4 yields a profound pleiotropic phenotype. J Bacteriol 187(5):1751–1762. https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.187.5.1751-1762.2005 Khalid A, Ahmad P, Alharthi AI, Muhammad S, Khandaker MU, Faruque MRI et al (2021) Synergistic effects of Cu-doped ZnO nanoantibiotic against Gram-positive bacterial strains. PLoS ONE 16(5):e0251082. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0251082 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files SupplementaryfileJournalAdvancedCompositesandHybridMaterials.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. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-3988183","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":275109531,"identity":"c557e05a-7dca-4e60-b62a-ac168d8c1a6d","order_by":0,"name":"G Ambarasan Govindasamy","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Ann Joo Integrated Steel Sdn Bhd, Prai Industrial Estate","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"G","middleName":"Ambarasan","lastName":"Govindasamy","suffix":""},{"id":275109532,"identity":"caf54d58-0a2b-4edf-a14a-9f7ebb74bc78","order_by":1,"name":"Srimala Sreekantan","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAqUlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYFACxgYGhgIGOVK1GDAYk2qTAUNiA9GK5Wcfbt3ww8AufcP50wlMN9uIMf9cYtvNHoPk3A03cjcw5xKlhYex7QaPATNQCy+RWuR7GNtu/jGoTzc4f5ZILQxnGNtu8xgcTjA4QLTDQFpkDI4bzgT65XDOOaIcxv7s5puKanm+82c3Ps4pI8ZhyOAAIxupWhgY/pCuZRSMglEwCoY/AACA+jmUJSAkcQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"Universiti Sains Malaysia","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Srimala","middleName":"","lastName":"Sreekantan","suffix":""},{"id":275109533,"identity":"d7bd86ec-8b41-438d-9c20-6b91e03322d6","order_by":2,"name":"Khairul Arifah Saharudin","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Qdos Interconnect Sdn Bhd","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Khairul","middleName":"Arifah","lastName":"Saharudin","suffix":""},{"id":275109534,"identity":"89d9fa25-11c5-4f34-9813-f41b41313a5b","order_by":3,"name":"Ming Thong Ong","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Universiti Sains Malaysia","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ming","middleName":"Thong","lastName":"Ong","suffix":""},{"id":275109535,"identity":"fe5dc32d-4f91-40cf-a1c8-985fe70bb9b0","order_by":4,"name":"Priscilla Jayanthi Thavamany","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Universiti Sains Malaysia","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Priscilla","middleName":"Jayanthi","lastName":"Thavamany","suffix":""},{"id":275109536,"identity":"ce8e2cc6-fc01-492f-bee3-e4110b952ab4","order_by":5,"name":"Geethaa Sahgal","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"AIMST University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Geethaa","middleName":"","lastName":"Sahgal","suffix":""},{"id":275109537,"identity":"e740621e-86d9-4b31-adc9-92ef0bacfe6a","order_by":6,"name":"Aik Aun Tan","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"B. Braun Medical Industries Sdn Bhd","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Aik","middleName":"Aun","lastName":"Tan","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-02-25 14:19:52","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3988183/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3988183/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":51836615,"identity":"2e35aa68-50f1-4790-9d37-391af2c761f0","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-29 21:44:52","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":173418,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe fabrication of binary mixed oxide PP (CuO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-PP) composites\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3988183/v1/cd0c17ba6050f71853f04173.png"},{"id":51836613,"identity":"1d20440a-8866-4122-b0f3-0c7f884ea73f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-29 21:44:52","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1544569,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEM morphology of metal oxide particles. a) commercial TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e, b) commercial CuO, c) mixed oxide CuO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eparticles and (d) EDS profile of mixed oxide CuO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3988183/v1/4ab25e717e2afefe1d7812d2.png"},{"id":51836849,"identity":"ae64a781-7a6b-4df0-9354-12be2e68395f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-29 21:52:52","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1547002,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEM morphology of binary mixed oxide PP composites. a) CuO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-PP composite without PP-g-MAH, b) CuO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-PP composite with 3 wt% PP-g-MAH at sequence of compatibilizer addition (\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003em0-PP, m5-MO, m7-C\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e) and c) CuO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-PP composite with 3 wt% PP-g-MAH at sequence of compatibilizer addition (\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003em0-PP+C, m5-MO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e).\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3988183/v1/46179a14552f14d2fa35ae56.png"},{"id":51836617,"identity":"4baa59d3-6c1a-48c1-8519-de06c0718ef6","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-29 21:44:52","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":382936,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe proposed reaction mechanism between CuO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eparticles and the compatibilized PP matrix.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3988183/v1/9b54afb4fb2ec8d3c229e4b8.png"},{"id":51836616,"identity":"afdc32dd-0ed7-41c5-b8be-9607d73c627d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-29 21:44:52","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1501980,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEM morphology of binary mixed oxide PP (CuO-TiO2-PP) composites with different content of binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO2 antimicrobial agent. a) pure PP, b) CuO/TiO2-1, c) CuO/TiO2-3, d) CuO/TiO2-5, e) CuO/TiO2-7 and f) CuO/TiO2-10.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3988183/v1/8fb612c599c8bb5156ec2ecf.png"},{"id":51836618,"identity":"13bbfbcd-3797-434d-89b2-28f30b3847f4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-29 21:44:52","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":192204,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eXRD peaks of CuO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-PP composites. a) pure PP, b) CuO/TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-1, c) CuO/TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-3, d) CuO/TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-5, e) CuO/TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-7 and f) CuO/TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-10.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3988183/v1/fe6f37fb08b82e45f816cff8.png"},{"id":51836611,"identity":"8e9ca095-5045-4d5e-a14a-ad6fe9aadd34","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-29 21:44:52","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":82825,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eXRD peaks of various heat-treated CuO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-PP composites. \u0026nbsp;a) pure PP, b) SCON, c) CP, d) QWW, and e) QLN.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3988183/v1/dd23cddea13b2bd133b3a000.png"},{"id":51836619,"identity":"231aaac1-b9a3-486f-a8c8-8f2400f22f62","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-29 21:44:53","extension":"png","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1673740,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePostulated killing mechanism of CuO-TiO\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-PP composites.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage8.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3988183/v1/3ed735c900df2b16f224b6b2.png"},{"id":51902734,"identity":"7f966772-8fda-47d5-96f9-abf2ad7d6efd","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-03-02 16:52:29","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":6295256,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3988183/v1/8d6b10bc-7f53-4112-8b51-6bb50b24fa29.pdf"},{"id":51836614,"identity":"6ef2fb6e-cb29-4abc-a379-59b861a9ef7c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-29 21:44:52","extension":"docx","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":226134,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"SupplementaryfileJournalAdvancedCompositesandHybridMaterials.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3988183/v1/fa721e160029b21b6e4e733b.docx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Effect of Compositions and Heat Treatments of Polypropylene/PP-g- MAH/CuO-TiO2 composites on Thermal, Crystallization and Antimicrobial Properties","fulltext":[{"header":"1 Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn the United States, infections from implanted health care devices are the primary reason of morbidity and death rates; catheters are responsible for over 80% of these infections. In common, Gram-positive, and Gram-negative cause catheter-related diseases within the circulation system. As such, preventive measures must be attempted. Catheters can exhibit antimicrobial properties in several ways, such as incorporating organic and inorganic biocides nanoparticles (NPs) into catheter polymers [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e], coating biocides NPs on the polymer [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e], biocidal agents immobilization in polymer [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e], and the employments of inherently microbial polymers [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]. Inorganic metal/metal oxide compounds have emerged in research due to their advantage as antimicrobial agents.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInorganic biocides are strong disinfectants because of their excellent cytocompatibility, physicochemical stability, and remarkable inhibitory effect towards divergent strains (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The dominant factors affecting the antibacterial effectiveness of oxides are size, type, concentration or amount incorporated in the polypropylene (PP) matrix and the processing method of the composite. Selecting an appropriate method for processing metal/metal oxides is necessary to produce polymer composites that possess homogeneous dispersion and a low degree of crystallinity. These desired features are essential to attack various microbes. Reports have focused on single microbial agents and on the antimicrobial efficacy of the particle itself rather than that of the polymer composite. Previously, there has not been a single research work investigating the impact of heat treatment and crystallinity on the antimicrobial activity of PP derived from binary mixed oxides, such as CuO and TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e. Intrinsically, this work emphasizes the fabrication of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites and explores the biocidal activity of these composites. One possible killing mechanism for antimicrobial efficacy is the generation of metal oxide ions and species of oxygen radicals (ROS) to attack the microbes [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, the synergistic effect of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e embedded PP matrix was investigated using \u003cem\u003eEscherichia coli\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e) and \u003cem\u003eStaphylococcus aureus\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e). The dependence of the microbiological efficacy on the matrix crystallinity as well as the relationship with the incorporation of compatibilizer, heat treatments, and concentration of antimicrobial agents (CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) are elucidated.\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\u003eEffective antimicrobial metal/metal oxides for selected microbes.\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\u003eMicrobe\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eType of NPs in various substrates\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExposure time (h)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEfficacy\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\" morerows=\"9\" rowspan=\"10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEscherichia coli\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCuO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20 mm inhibition zone\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCuO in PP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;99.9% (\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;100 nm p.s)\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCuO in PVC\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;80% (1 wt% CuO)\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu in PP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;90% (\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;100 nm p.s.)\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu in PE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;99.9% (3 wt% Cu)\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCuO/TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e in PVAc\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e/Sn on glass substrate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;99% (9.52 nm p.s.)\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e/Ag\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;99.9% (1.6 \u0026micro;g/ml)\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e/rGO in PVA\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.75 mm inhibition zone\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 \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eZnO/CuO in Cs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;99.9% ((CFU/mL)\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\" morerows=\"11\" rowspan=\"12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStaphylococcus aureus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCuO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;99% (1000\u0026micro;g/ml)\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCuO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22 mm inhibition zone\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCuO/TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e in PVAc\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu in PE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;99.9% (3 wt% Cu)\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e/Sn on glass substrate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;99% (9.62 nm p.s.)\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e/rGO in PVA\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10 mm inhibition zone\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 \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e/Ag on Si catheter\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;90% (10 nm p.s.)\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu-Doped Anatase TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e on glass\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;99.9% (CFU/mL)\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eZnO/CuO in Cs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;99.9% (CFU/mL)\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCu/N-doped TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e on glass\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCopper-doped TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e in CMC\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\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=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCuO/TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e in HA\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\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 \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2 Experimental methodology","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1. Materials and fabrication of PP composites\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMixtures of commercial binary metal oxide powders were prepared by grinding [1 wt% CuO powder (particle size, \u0026lt; 5 \u0026micro;m; Sigma Aldrich)\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0.1 wt% TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e (particle size, 25 nm; Sigma Aldrich)\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;isopropanol] by using an agate mortar and subsequently dried at 100\u0026deg;C. PP (melt flow rate, 10 g/10 min at 230\u0026deg;C; density, 907 kg/m\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e) together with binary mixed oxides were blended in an internal compounding machine at 50 rpm for 10 min. Two different sequences were used for the integration of the PP-g-MAH compatibilizer (Fusabond 613; HH Saintifik Enterprise) and the processing temperature was set at 185\u0026deg;C. The first sequence was denoted as (\u003cem\u003em0-PP, m5-MO, m7-C\u003c/em\u003e) and the second sequence was denoted as (\u003cem\u003em0-PP\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;C, m5-MO\u003c/em\u003e). For the first sequence, the compatibilizer was added toward the final stage of mixing for 7 min, whereas the compatibilizer was added together with the PP for the second sequence. After 10 min, the mixture from the internal mixer was discharged. The CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites were then crushed into small pieces. Rectangular specimens were created by compressing and molding the small CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composite pieces (dimensions,150 mm \u0026times; 120 mm \u0026times; 1 mm) via Go Tech compression molding equipment. The hot press event comprised preheating the charge of the binary mixed oxide PP (CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP) composites for 6 min at the similar temperature as the melt mixing process, and then compressing the material for 3 min at 1000 psi. After 3 mins of flushing the press with cold water, the hot films of the CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites were cooled at the same pressure. Next, using a Wallace die cutter, the molded samples were cut into dumbbell shapes. The compressed sheets were cut into circular shapes (diameter, 0.5 in) by using a puncher. The development of binary mixed oxide PP (CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP) composites is depicted in the schematic diagram (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Different cooling rates were used to create four distinct levels of crystallinity in the sample. The processing temperature for this group of quenched samples was 175\u0026deg;C. Slow cooling overnight, cooling via water circulation in the press, quenching in warm water at 30\u0026deg;C, and quenching in liquid nitrogen are indicated by the symbols SCON, CP, QWW, and QLN, respectively. PP composites (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt% CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) were prepared at 175\u0026deg;C for 10 min at a speed of 50 rpm to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy against Gram-positive \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e. In subsequent, a selected composition was used to temporally study the antimicrobial efficacy of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP towards \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e for up to 4 days.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2. Characterization\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.1. Morphological examination\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe microstructure of the commercial CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles and CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites were assessed using a field emission SEM (SUPRA 35VP ZEISS). The composite samples' cryogenic fracture surfaces were covered in gold before they underwent microstructure analysis. Semi-quantitative analysis of commercial CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles was executed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.2. X-ray diffraction analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe XRD Bruker D8 powder diffractometer was utilized to investigate the crystal phases of the CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites. This study was carried out at 40 kV and 30 mA under reflection mode of Cu Kα radiation at 1.5406 \u0026Aring; wavelengths. Using step size of 0.030\u0026deg;, the composite samples were examined at intervals of 2θ between 10\u0026deg; and 90\u0026deg;.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.3. Thermal analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePerkin Elmer DSC 6 was employed to examine the composite's melting and crystallization behavior. Each CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP sample, which weighed roughly 10\u0026ndash;15 mg, was heated at a rate of 20\u0026deg;C per min to 200\u0026deg;C in an inert N\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e atmosphere with flow rate of 50 ml/min. For the composite, the enthalpy of fusion (∆\u003cem\u003eH\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003ef\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e) and the melting temperature (Tm) were measured. Based on ∆\u003cem\u003eH\u003c/em\u003e, the relative crystallinity was computed, and 209 J/g was the parameter value for 100% crystalline PP [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e]. Eq.\u0026nbsp;1 [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e] was utilized to compute the relative crystallinity.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cspan class=\"InlineEquation\"\u003e \u003cspan class=\"mathinline\"\u003e\\(\\left(1-\\lambda \\right)\\%= \\frac{\\varDelta {H}_{f}}{\\varDelta {H}_{f100\\% }^{^\\circ }.w}x 100\\)\u003c/span\u003e \u003c/span\u003e Eq.\u0026nbsp;1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003ew\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;weight fraction of the filler or matrix in blends\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e∆H\u003c/em\u003e \u003csub\u003e \u003cem\u003ef\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/sub\u003e = apparent enthalpy of melting of the filler or matrix\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e∆H\u003c/em\u003e \u003csup\u003e \u003cem\u003eo\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/sup\u003e \u003csub\u003e \u003cem\u003ef100%\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/sub\u003e= extrapolated value of the enthalpy corresponding to the melting of 100% crystalline sample (209 J/g for PP)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.4. Microbiological testing\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe biological activities of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites were determined using the strain of \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e (ATCC 25923) and \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e (ATCC 25922); the control sample for this experiment was PP alone. Mueller-Hinton broth was employed to cultivate the bacteria, and they were kept at 37\u0026deg;C and spinning at 100 rpm for 18 h in shaking incubator. To evaluate the bactericidal effect of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP, circular test discs (diameter, 0.5 in) were carefully set in sterilized 24-well plates at aseptic conditions. Next, each test disc in the well-plate was pipetted with 1.5 ml of the bacteria solution, which had been adjusted to 1.5\u0026times;10\u003csup\u003e8\u003c/sup\u003e CFU/ml. In an orbital shaking incubator, plates containing the test disc containing the inoculated strains were incubated for 24, 36, 72, and 96 h at 37\u0026deg;C and 100 rpm. After the respective incubations, the circular test disks from 24-well plates were taken using sterile forceps and rinsed thrice with PBS. To get rid of bacteria\u0026rsquo;s cells that do not adhere to surfaces, the circular test discs were aseptically inserted into freshly sterilized 24-well plates. After that, 1.5 ml of PBS was pipetted into each test disc sample in the well plate. For 40 min, plates with the circular test disc and PBS were shaken in an incubator at 400 rpm and 37\u0026deg;C. Following the incubation period, 100 \u0026micro;l of the solution was extracted at every test sampling, and then plated onto Mueller Hinton-prepared agar to recover unharmed microbes. For every sample, three duplicate plates were utilized. After being incubated for 24 h at 37\u0026deg;C, the quantity of colony-forming units (CFU/ml) was ascertained.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3 Results and discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1. Morphological exploration\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.1. SEM morphology of CuO and TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003ea and \u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003eb shows the commercial titanium dioxide powder and copper (II) oxide particles. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003ec shows the binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles which is used to prepare CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composite. The FESEM image shows the CuO particles are flaky in shape with size of 5 \u0026micro;m. In contrast, TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e powders are very fine and look like spherical in shape with agglomerated morphology. The size is about 25 nm. Upon mixing, the possibility of dispersing both particles homogeneously within the polymer matrix is a crucial task. The EDS profile of mixed oxide CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003ed) indicates that the sample contains copper, titanium, and oxygen elements.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.2. SEM morphology of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composite with compatibilizer\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003ea displays the representative SEM microstructural images of the CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composite that was prepared with ~\u0026thinsp;1 wt% CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e without compatibilizer. The temperature of mixing was fixed to 185\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003eC and rotor speed was 50 rpm. Fine dispersion of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e was observed in specific regions of the PP matrix; other sites were still covered with agglomerated CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e. CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e appeared as discrete particles with poor interfacial adhesion within the PP matrix [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. Particle detachment was noticeable on the fractured surface. The number of free voids or pores increased on tensile fractured surfaces of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites. The tiny pores within the PP matrix permit the entry of water molecules into CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e], which enhances the migration of ions and increased the material\u0026rsquo;s antibacterial activity. However, the voids within the PP matrix may result in poor mechanical properties of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites. These voids also imply poor interfacial bonding/connection between the binary CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and the semi crystalline PP. The hydrophilic nature of binary mixed oxide particles and their poor compatibility with the hydrophobic PP matrix are the contributing factors for the weak interfacial bonding.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003eb-c displays the representative morphological SEM images of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites produced with 3 wt% PP-g-MAH by using two different sequences. For the first sequence, a compatibilizer was added towards the final mixing stage (7 min); the sequence was denoted as (\u003cem\u003em0-PP, m5-MO, m7-C\u003c/em\u003e). For the 2nd sequence, the compatibilizer was added into the mixing chamber along with the PP; the sequence was denoted as (\u003cem\u003em0-PP\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;C, m5-MO\u003c/em\u003e). CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e was uniformly distributed without large agglomerations. Not many voids were discovered on the fractured surface of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites containing the compatibilizer. CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e also appeared in discrete form because of the short mixing time between PP and binary mixed oxide and PP-g-MAH.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eImproved dispersion, encapsulation (inset in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003ec), and interfacial adhesion of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e within the PP matrix were obtained when the compatibilizer was introduced in the early mixing stage (0 min). The compatibilizer, which encouraged a favorable chemical reaction between polar and non-polar compounds during the melt mixing process in the internal mixer, was the main reason for this improvement. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e clarifies a plausible reaction mechanism that occurs during the modification of PP polymer with the integration of PP-g-MAH and metal oxide NPs (CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) via melt blending technique. Initially, the PP polymer chain is bonded with the chemically reactive maleic anhydride ring, which enhances the interfacial adhesion of the PP polymer. Thereafter, the metal oxide particles (i.e., CuO and TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) are further interacting with the maleic anhydride ring in long PP chain to form an improved antibacterial Polypropylene/PP-g-MAH/CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e composites for biomedical application [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. Strong interaction and surface adhesion was thus induced between polar binary mixed oxide and non-polar PP matrix.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.3. SEM morphology of different amount of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e powder in PP matrix\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003ea-f displays representative SEM morphology images of binary mixed oxide PP (CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP) composites which produced at different content of binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e antimicrobial agent (0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 wt%) with mixing temperature of 175\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003eC. The concentration of PP-g-MAH compatibilizer is fixed into 3 wt%. It is described that the bactericidal qualities of the PP composite were influenced by the concentration of antimicrobial agent in PP matrix. Besides, the stronger and faster rate of antimicrobial properties of PP composites could be achieved at higher NPs content [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. However, the mechanical properties of such PP composite were deteriorated at higher antimicrobial agent loadings [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. This might be attributed to the facts of bactericidal agent were highly agglomerated; bactericidal agent was poorly encapsulated within the interior structure of the polymer matrix; formation of higher voids or cavities around agglomerated morphology of bactericidal agent; the composite's weak structure because of the polymer's debonding from the bactericidal agent's surface and bactericidal agent were dispersed non-uniformly within polymer matrix. It is very interesting to note such phenomena were able to be solved in this work. The processing parameter and the compatibilizer used in this work could result in homogeneous microstructure (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e) up to 10 wt% loading. Based on the SEM photographs of the binary mixed oxide PP (CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP) composites which were processed with 1, 3 \u0026amp; 5 wt% CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003eb-d), were well encapsulated deeply into PP matrix and distributed uniformly. The PP composites which produced at higher binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e antimicrobial agent (7\u0026ndash;10 wt%) showed little agglomeration at certain region only (Figs.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003ee-f). Overall, the entire sample showed encapsulated nature of the binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e antimicrobial agent with good bonding within binary mixed oxide antimicrobial agent surface and polymer matrix.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2. Thermal and crystallization behavior\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.1 Thermal and crystallization behavior of compatibilized and non-compatibilized CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe DSC results of the compatibilized and non-compatibilized CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites samples are captured in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. Obviously, the addition of a small amount of 1 wt % of binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e antimicrobial agent in PP matrix leads to slight changes on T\u003csub\u003em\u003c/sub\u003e and increase the total crystallinity of pure PP. The increased crystallinity for the PP composites with 1 wt % binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e antimicrobial agent are attributed to the role of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e antimicrobial agent acting as the site of heterogeneous nucleation [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. The process of compatibilization is crucial to optimize surface tension and facilitate interfacial adhesion between the hydrophilic binary mixed oxide (CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) and the hydrophobic PP matrix. Moreover, crystallinity influences water absorption, which in turn affects antimicrobial activity. Consequently, the importance of controlling the degree of crystallinity was examined in the following section.\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 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDSC findings of PP and CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites with compatibilizer and pure PP without compatibilizer.\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=\"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 \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\u003eMaterial\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003em\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(\u0026deg;C)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e∆H\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003ef\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(J/g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\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\u003ePure PP without compatibilizer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e163.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e69.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.28\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\u003ePure PP with compatibilizer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e164.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68.51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.78\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\u003eCuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP with compatibilizer\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e160.64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote: The material contains 3wt% compatibilizer and 1wt% CuO-TiO\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e \u003cem\u003ethat was added according to sequence 2 (m0-PP\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;C, m5-MO). At 0 min of mixing, at 5 min of mixing, Compatibilizer, and Metal Oxide (CuO-TiO\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e\u003cem\u003e) are denoted by the symbols m0, m5, C, and MO, respectively.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.2 Thermal and crystallization behavior of different-concentrated CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe DSC analysis was performed on PP composites prepared with different concentrations of binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e antimicrobial agent and the findings are presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e. Based on the DSC results, incorporation of binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e antimicrobial agent with different content did not yield a notable change in the T\u003csub\u003em\u003c/sub\u003e of PP composite. However, the percentage of crystallinity dropped with increasing amount of antimicrobial agent content in PP matrix up to 10 wt%, accounting for the lower mobility of the PP chain segments at high antimicrobial agent contents. Some agglomeration was found in certain region at higher weight percentage (\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;5wt%) of antimicrobial agent addition. This would lower the available heterogeneous nucleation sites for PP crystallization at the interfaces, and sometimes even retard the crystallization rate as well. This phenomenon occurs due to the several competing factors such as prevention of heterogeneous nucleation effect of antimicrobial agent, obstruction on three-dimensional growth of crystal domain or decreased chain diffusion rate.\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 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDSC analysis results of binary mixed oxide PP (CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP) composites with different content of binary mixed oxide CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e antimicrobial agent.\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\u003eMaterial\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePP composite\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWt% of CuO/TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e in PP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTm (\u0026deg;C)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e∆H\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003ef\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\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\u003eCuO/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\u003e164.88\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.43\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\u003eCuO/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\u003e164.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52.87\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.06\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\u003eCuO/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\u003e165.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46.19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.11\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\u003eCuO/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\u003e164.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCuO/TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e164.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.37\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\u003eThe XRD spectrum of the PP composites with distinct quantity of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e are presented in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e. Dominant diffraction peaks associated with PP and minor peaks of copper oxide at 2θ\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;35.25 and 38.430 were observed for entire composites. However, the nano TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e peaks were not observed in the entire samples because the nanoparticles were completely dispersed throughout PP matrix. Most prominently, it was noticed that the peak intensity of pure PP drastically dropped with increasing amount of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e. This peak intensity reduction indicates a drastic drop in degree of crystallinity.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.3 Thermal and crystallization behavior of various heat treated CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo optimize the CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites' antimicrobial capabilities, they underwent several heat treatment processes such as quenching in warm water (QWW) at 30\u0026deg;C, slow cooling overnight (SCON), cooling via water circulation in the press (CP) and quenching in liquid nitrogen (QLN). The processing temperature for this batch of quenched samples was 175\u0026deg;C. Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e provides the DSC data for the 4 types of quenched samples to assess the correlation between matrix crystallinity and antibacterial activity. As cooling rate increased, both ∆\u003cem\u003eH\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003ef\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e and the degree of crystallinity decreased; with nitrogen cooling, ∆\u003cem\u003eH\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003ef\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e and melting temperature significantly decreased, resulting in the observation of highly amorphous regions. The results were attributed to the prevention of 3D crystallite growth at fast cooling rates. Apparently, rapid cooling rates caused a delay in crystallization as there is not enough time for the development of three-dimensional crystalline growth of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composite.\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 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDSC results of various heat-treated CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites.\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=\"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 \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\u003eSample CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTm (\u0026deg;C)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e∆H\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003ef\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e (J/g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCrystallinity\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(%)\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\u003eSlow Cooling Overnight (SCON)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e165.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.68\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\u003eCold Press (CP)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e164.88\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.43\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\u003eQuenching in Warm Water (QWW)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e164.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56.16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.23\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\u003eQuenching in Liquid Nitrogen (QLN)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e151.66\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.94\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote: The material contains 1wt% CuO-TiO\u003c/em\u003e\u003csub\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sub\u003e \u003cem\u003eparticles\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e depicts the crystal structure of different types of heat-treated CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites. The degree of crystallization for different treatments followed the order QLN\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;QWW\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;CP\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;SCON. The XRD findings were in agreement with the thermal analysis data, thereby indicating that the respective percentages of crystallinity for QLN, QWW, CP, and SCON were 6.00%, 27.23%, 28.43%, and 32.68%. The intensities of the PP peaks drastically decreased when the hot-pressed samples were subjected to rapid cooling rates, in which highly amorphous regions were observed. Intense diffraction peaks associated with PP and few peaks for copper oxide at 2\u003cem\u003eθ\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;34.70\u0026deg; and 37.95\u0026deg; were observed for the composites. However, the peak intensities of composites quenched in liquid nitrogen after molding were lower than those to room temperature by SCON. The quick cooling rate caused a sharp decrease in crystallinity in the QLN specimens.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3. Antimicrobial performance of optimized CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3.1 Antimicrobial properties of various heat-treated CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSupplementary Fig.\u0026nbsp;1 illustrates the antimicrobial efficacies of various heat-treated CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites towards \u003cem\u003eE. coli.\u003c/em\u003e Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e and supplementary Fig.\u0026nbsp;1 reveal that crystallinity exhibits a vital function in releasing antimicrobial ions. The sample with the highest crystallinity (SCON) was prone to microbial attacks, whereas the sample with the lowest crystallinity (QLN) was resistant to these attacks. The findings suggested that the processing parameters, which impacted the polymer matrix's crystallinity, had a significant impact on the antimicrobial ions' release. A high degree of crystallinity reduced the release of antimicrobial ions. A semi-crystalline polymer of polypropylene (PP) exhibits a preferential interaction (hydrogen bonding) between absorbed water and the functional groups in the zone of amorphous due to the inability of water to pass through the zone of crystalline. The water penetration barrier substantially reduces the intensity of copper metal ion production and migration from the SCON sample, resulting in low antimicrobial efficacy. On the other hand, samples with more amorphous regions (QLN) allowed the water to permeate the matrix of polymers and reach the surface of CuO NPs, carrying absorbed oxygen molecules. Copper ions are released from the polymer matrix more quickly owing to the diffusion, which effectively targets \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e. However, for the subsequent section, (CP) treatment was adopted instead of QLN because QLN treated samples were found to be very brittle.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3.2. Antimicrobial activity of PP incorporated with various amount of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe antimicrobial efficacies were evaluated for PP composites containing different contents of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles. Supplementary Fig.\u0026nbsp;2 illustrates the antimicrobial efficacy of the CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites against \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e after 24 h. The participation of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e markedly reduced the survival of bacteria. In comparison to other samples, the PP composite containing 10 wt% CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles effectively decreased the number of bacteria. The reduction was attributed to the increase in released ions with increasing content of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles. Furthermore, water uptake in the composites was enhanced by their amorphous nature, which had a high CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e content (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3.3. Time-dependent antimicrobial action against E. coli\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e are human pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria that are widely involved in blood stream infections [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP, the rate of survival of \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e (% viability) was determined. In this section, 3 wt% CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e was selected due to the translucent appearance of the PP. Supplementary Fig.\u0026nbsp;3 displays the findings of the antimicrobial characteristics. For the control pellets, the attachment or propagation of \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e temporally increased and reached its maximum after 4 days. The increase in colony counts in the control pellets was attributed to the PP matrix, which favored the growth of \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e. PP is characterized as a hydrophobic matrix; \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e prefers hydrophobic conditions for propagation. CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP was effective against the bacteria with increasing incubation time especially after 2 days. The low activity in less than two days indicated that water diffusion and the ensuing release of Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e and free radicals (i.e., \u0026bull;O\u003csup\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e and \u0026bull;OH\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e) were needed to achieve effectiveness. In addition, the \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e outer cell walls were discovered to be connected to the attacking delay. Research indicates that Gram-negative bacteria demonstrate greater resistance/tolerance to NPs than their Gram-positive counterparts, likely due to the lipopolysaccharide present in their outer membrane [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. Gram-negative bacteria are known to possess the cytoplasmic membrane, which is essential for preserving cellular viability. Therefore, free radicals and Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e do not readily harm Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, longer times and more concentrated ions are needed to break down the bacteria's cell membrane.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3.4. Time-dependent antimicrobial action against S. aureus\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBloodstream infections caused by \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e increase morbidity, mortality, and medical costs; these infections are often avoidable [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites were tested for \u003cem\u003eS. aureus.\u003c/em\u003e Control pellets (PP matrix) are suitable platform for the attachment of the bacteria (Supplementary Fig.\u0026nbsp;4). \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e are preferably grown in hydrophobic environments. Additionally, the bacteria grow more readily in stationary-phase than in exponential-phase [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e]. The Gram-positive microbes were attached and grown on pellets with common growth patterns, which include exponential growth, stationary, and logarithmic decline phases [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e]. The exponential growth phase was observed from 1 to 2 days, whereas stationary phases were observed from 2 to 3 days (Supplementary Fig.\u0026nbsp;4); the logarithmic declining phase was observed after 4 days. The CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites were more effective against \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e compared with the control samples. The composites showed signs of antimicrobial efficacy starting on day 3. Specifically, the CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites demonstrated significant control over \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). The significant reduction in \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e from 2 to 3 days indicates that Gram-positive microbes are easily attacked by \u0026bull;O\u003csup\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e, \u0026bull;OH\u003csup\u003e-\u003c/sup\u003e, or Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e compared with Gram-negative microbes [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.4. Postulated Killing mechanism of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCopper is already in the maximal stage of oxidation in CuO; hence, microbes can only be attacked by releasing Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e. However, the increased release of Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e in binary mixed oxides as well as the presence of free radicals \u0026bull;O\u003csup\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e and \u0026bull;OH\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e were postulated to be advantageous in the CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composite (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). Two possible reaction pathways (reactions 1 and 2; Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e) for Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e release was proposed. In reaction 1, water that has taken up oxygen molecules diffuses to the surface of CuO particles via the polymer matrix. Diffusion accelerates the release of Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e to assault the microorganisms from the polymer matrix. TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e in the PP composites yield the following photocatalytic reactions: TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;hν \u0026rarr; e\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e + h\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e; e\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e + O\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e \u0026rarr; \u0026bull;O\u003csup\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e ; h\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e + H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO \u0026rarr; \u0026bull;OH\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e + H\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e. Bacterial deaths results from the interactions between the organic substances of the pathogens and the derived \u0026bull;O\u003csup\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e and \u0026bull;OH\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. Moreover, the free radicals from the photocatalytic reaction interact with CuO to initiate reaction 2. In this reaction, the considerably increased release of Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e in the presence of TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e is possible. Additional Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e released further enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4 Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eCuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e distribution in the polymer matrix, crystallinity, and water uptake greatly affected the release of antimicrobial species. The incorporation of 3 wt% of compatibilizer (PP-g-MAH) in the fabrication of PP nanocomposites greatly improved the dispersion of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles. The composites that underwent QLN showed a low crystallinity, which enhanced their ability to absorb water. Additionally, these composites demonstrated a greater ability to decrease the quantity of CFU/ml of \u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e. CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composites might exhibit a high abundance of antimicrobial species, including \u0026bull;O\u003csup\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e, \u0026bull;OH\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e, and Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e, which improved its bactericidal effectiveness against both tested pathogens. To fully understand the underlying killing mechanisms, more molecular analysis is needed. CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP composite biocide materials may improve catheter antimicrobial efficacies to prevent infections associated with catheter use.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors Contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eG Ambarasan Govindasamy\u003c/strong\u003e: Conceptualization; Data curation; Investigation; Methodology; Writing - Original draft.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSrimala Sreekantan\u003c/strong\u003e: Funding acquisition; Resources; Administration; Supervision; Validation; Writing - Review \u0026amp; Editing.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKhairul Arifah Saharudin\u003c/strong\u003e: Investigation.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMing Thong Ong\u003c/strong\u003e: Investigation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePriscilla Jayanthi Thavamany\u003c/strong\u003e: Investigation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeethaa Sahgal\u003c/strong\u003e: Investigation.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTan Aik Aun\u003c/strong\u003e: Project administration; Funding acquisition.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn their acknowledgement, the authors express their gratitude to all technical staff from Universiti Sains Malaysia. Also, this work was supported by the B. Braun Medical Industries Sdn Bhd and Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis work was supported by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (FRGS/1/2021/TK0/USM/01/1).\u0026nbsp;\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\u003eAs the manuscript\u0026apos;s authors, we hereby consent to the publication in this journal of any identifiable details related to the manuscript.\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\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParcheta M, Sobiesiak M (2023) Preparation and Functionalization of Polymers with Antibacterial Properties-Review of the Recent Developments. Mater (Basel) 16(12):4411. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124411\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.3390/ma16124411\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCorr\u0026ecirc;a Carvalho G, Miguel S\u0026aacute;bio R, Sp\u0026oacute;sito L, De Jesus Andreoli Pinto T, Chorilli M (2022) An overview of the use of central venous catheters impregnated with drugs or with inorganic nanoparticles as a strategy in preventing infections. Int J Pharm 615:121518. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121518\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121518\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMalhotra A, Chauhan SR, Rahaman M, Tripathi R, Khanuja M, Chauhan A (2023) Phyto-assisted synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles for developing antibiofilm surface coatings on central venous catheters. Front Chem 11:1138333. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.3389/fchem.2023.1138333\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.3389/fchem.2023.1138333\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGovindasamy GA, Mydin SMN, Gadaime RB NKR et al (2023) Phytochemicals, Biodegradation, Cytocompatibility and Wound Healing Profiles of Chitosan Film Embedded Green Synthesized Antibacterial ZnO/CuO Nanocomposite. J Polym Environ 31:4393\u0026ndash;4409. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-023-02902-1\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1007/s10924-023-02902-1\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarpa R, Remizovschi A, Culda CA, Butiuc-Keul AL (2022) Inherent and Composite Hydrogels as Promising Materials to Limit Antimicrobial Resistance. Gels (Basel) 8(2):70. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.3390/gels8020070\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.3390/gels8020070\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAzam A, Ahmed AS, Oves M, Khan M, Memic A (2012) Size-dependent antimicrobial properties of CuO nanoparticles against Gram-positive and-negative bacterial strains. Int J Nanomed 7:3527. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S29020\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.2147/IJN.S29020\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDelgado K, Quijada R, Palma R, Palza H (2011) Polypropylene with embedded copper metal or copper oxide nanoparticles as a novel plastic antimicrobial agent. Lett Appl Microbiol 53:50\u0026ndash;54. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1111/j.1472-765X.2011.03069.x\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1111/j.1472-765X.2011.03069.x\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRodriguez-Llamazares S, Mondaca M, Badilla C, Maldonado A (2012) PVC/copper oxide composites and their effect on bacterial adherence. J Chil Chem Soc 57:1163\u0026ndash;1165. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttp://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0717-97072012000200022\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.4067/S0717-97072012000200022\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGabbay J, Borkow G, Mishal J, Magen E, Zatcoff R, Shemer-Avni Y (2006) Copper oxide impregnated textiles with potent biocidal activities. J Ind Text 35:323\u0026ndash;335. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1177/1528083706060785\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1177/1528083706060785\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHassan MS, Amna T, Kim HY, Khil MS (2013) Enhanced bactericidal effect of novel CuO/TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e composite nanorods and a mechanism thereof. Compos B Eng 45:904\u0026ndash;910. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2012.09.009\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.compositesb.2012.09.009\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSayılkan F, Asilt\u0026uuml;rk M, Kiraz N, Burunkaya E, Arpa\u0026ccedil; E, Sayılkan H (2009) Photocatalytic antibacterial performance of Sn\u003csup\u003e4+\u003c/sup\u003e doped TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e thin films on glass substrate. J Hazard Mater 162:1309\u0026ndash;1316. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.06.043\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.06.043\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZhang H, Chen G (2009) Potent antibacterial activities of Ag/TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite powders synthesized by a one-pot sol\u0026thinsp;\u0026ndash;\u0026thinsp;gel method. Environ Sci Technol 43:2905\u0026ndash;2910. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1021/es803450f\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1021/es803450f\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDhanasekar M, Jenefer V, Nambiar RB, Babu SG et al (2018) Ambient light antimicrobial activity of reduced graphene oxide supported metal doped TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanoparticles and their PVA based polymer nanocomposite films. Mater Res Bull 97:238\u0026ndash;243. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.materresbull.2017.08.056\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.materresbull.2017.08.056\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGovindasamy GA, Mydin RBS, Effendy WNFWE, Sreekantan S (2022) Novel dual-ionic ZnO/CuO embedded in porous chitosan biopolymer for wound dressing application: Physicochemical, bactericidal, cytocompatibility and wound healing profiles. Mater Today Commun 33:104545. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2022.104545\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.mtcomm.2022.104545\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRen G, Hu D, Cheng EW, Vargas-Reus MA, Reip P, Allaker RP (2009) Characterisation of copper oxide nanoparticles for antimicrobial applications. Int J Antimicrob Agents 33:587\u0026ndash;590. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2008.12.004\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2008.12.004\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYao Y, Ohko Y, Sekiguchi Y, Fujishima A, Kubota Y (2008) Self-sterilization using silicone catheters coated with Ag and TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite thin film. J Biomed Mater Res Part B Appl Biomater 85:453\u0026ndash;460. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1002/jbm.b.30965\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1002/jbm.b.30965\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlotaibi AM, Williamson BAD, Sathasivam S et al (2020) Enhanced Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Ability of Cu-Doped Anatase TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e Thin Films: Theory and Experiment. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 12:15348\u0026ndash;15361. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsami.9b22056\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1021/acsami.9b22056\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTahmasebizad N, Hamedani MT, Ghazani MS, Pazhuhanfar Y (2020) Photocatalytic activity and antibacterial behavior of TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e coatings co-doped with copper and nitrogen via sol\u0026ndash;gel method. J Solgel Sci Technol 93:570\u0026ndash;578. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-019-05085-1\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1007/s10971-019-05085-1\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEzati P, Riahi Z, Rhim JW (2022) CMC-based functional film incorporated with copper-doped TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e to prevent banana browning. Food Hydrocoll 122:107104. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2021.107104\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.foodhyd.2021.107104\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImani MM, Kiani M, Rezaei F, Souri R, Safaei M (2021) Optimized synthesis of novel hydroxyapatite/CuO/TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e nanocomposite with high antibacterial activity against oral pathogen \u003cem\u003eStreptococcus mutans\u003c/em\u003e. Ceram Int 47(23):33398\u0026ndash;33404. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.08.246\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.08.246\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFuad M, Hanim H, Zarina R, Ishak Z, Hassan A (2010) Polypropylene/calcium carbonate nanocomposites-effects of processing techniques and maleated polypropylene compatibiliser. EXPRESS Polym Lett 4:611\u0026ndash;620. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttp://dx.doi.org/10.3144/expresspolymlett.2010.76\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.3144/expresspolymlett.2010.76\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAl-Rawajfeha AE, Al-Salahb HA, Al-Rhaelc I (2006) Miscibility, Crystallinity and Morphology of Polymer Blends of Polyamide-6/Poly (β-hydroxybutyrate). Jordan j chem 1(2):155\u0026ndash;170. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://jjc.yu.edu.jo/index.php/jjc/article/view/362\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://jjc.yu.edu.jo/index.php/jjc/article/view/362\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSantiagoo R, Ismail H, Hussin K (2011) Mechanical Properties, Water Absorption, And Swelling Behaviour Of Rice Husk Powder Filled Polypropylene/Recycled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber (PP/NBRr/RHP) Biocomposites Using Silane As A Coupling Agent. BioResources 6(4):3714\u0026ndash;3726\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAltan M, Yildirim H, Uysal A (2011) Tensile properties of polypropylene/metal oxide nano composites. Online J Sci Technol 1:25\u0026ndash;29\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDamm C, M\u0026uuml;nstedt H, R\u0026ouml;sch A (2008) The antimicrobial efficacy of polyamide 6/silver-nano-and microcomposites. Mater Chem Phys 108:61\u0026ndash;66. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2007.09.002\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2007.09.002\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRadheshkumar C, M\u0026uuml;nstedt H (2005) Morphology and mechanical properties of antimicrobial polyamide/silver composites. Mater Lett 59:1949\u0026ndash;1953. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2005.02.033\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.matlet.2005.02.033\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMittal V (2012) Crystallinity, mechanical property and oxygen permeability of polypropylene: Effect of processing conditions, nucleating agent and compatibilizer. J Thermoplast Compos Mater 26(10):1407\u0026ndash;1423. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1177/089270571245274\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1177/089270571245274\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandal N, Whitworth J, Nakrem Lyngbakken M, Berdal JE, Dalgard O, Bakken J\u0026oslash;rgensen S (2024) Mortality and length of hospital stay after bloodstream infections caused by ESBL-producing compared to non-ESBL-producing \u003cem\u003eE. coli\u003c/em\u003e. Infect Dis 56(1):19\u0026ndash;31. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1080/23744235.2023.2261538\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1080/23744235.2023.2261538\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBreijyeh Z, Jubeh B, Karaman R (2020) Resistance of Gram-Negative Bacteria to Current Antibacterial Agents and Approaches to Resolve It. Molecules (Basel) 25(6):1340. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25061340\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.3390/molecules25061340\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGarrine M, Costa SS, Messa A Jr, Massora S, Vubil D, \u0026Aacute;cacio S, Nhampossa T, Bassat Q, Mandomando I, Couto I (2023) Antimicrobial resistance and clonality of \u003cem\u003eStaphylococcus aureus\u003c/em\u003e causing bacteraemia in children admitted to the Manhi\u0026ccedil;a District Hospital, Mozambique, over two decades. Front Microbiol 14:1208131. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1208131\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.3389/fmicb.2023.1208131\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHowden BP, Giulieri SG, Wong F, Lung T et al (2023) \u003cem\u003eStaphylococcus aureus\u003c/em\u003e host interactions and adaptation. Nat Rev Microbiol 21:380\u0026ndash;395. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-023-00852-y\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1038/s41579-023-00852-y\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGonzalez JM, Aranda B (2023) Microbial Growth under Limiting Conditions-Future Perspectives. Microorganisms 11(7):1641. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11071641\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.3390/microorganisms11071641\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShaw LN, Golonka E, Szmyd G, Foster SJ, Travis J, Potempa J Cytoplasmic control of premature activation of a secreted protease zymogen: deletion of staphostatin B (SspC) in \u003cem\u003eStaphylococcus aureus\u003c/em\u003e 8325-4 yields a profound pleiotropic phenotype. J Bacteriol 187(5):1751\u0026ndash;1762. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1128/JB.187.5.1751-1762.2005\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1128/JB.187.5.1751-1762.2005\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKhalid A, Ahmad P, Alharthi AI, Muhammad S, Khandaker MU, Faruque MRI et al (2021) Synergistic effects of Cu-doped ZnO nanoantibiotic against Gram-positive bacterial strains. PLoS ONE 16(5):e0251082. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0251082\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1371/journal.pone.0251082\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\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":"PP-g-MAH compatibilizer, Copper oxide, Titanium dioxide, Polypropylene polymer, Heat treatments, Crystallinity","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3988183/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3988183/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe leading cause of increased mortality rates is infections from implanted medical devices, with catheters accounting for more than 80% of these infections. Polypropylene (PP) composites with antimicrobial properties were developed by adding binary mixed oxide (CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e). The outcomes demonstrated that the spreading and encapsulation of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e particles in the PP matrix was much better with incorporation of PP-g-MAH compatibilizer. Matrix crystallinity is affected by addition of compatibilizers, the amount of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, and heat treatments. The synergy effect of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e as antimicrobial agents was analyzed. The antibacterial efficacy's reliance on matrix crystallinity is elucidated in relation with various heat treatments, PP-g-MAH compatibilizer, and amount of CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e. PP made of binary mixed oxides (e.g., CuO and TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) and 3 wt% PP-g-MAH that was processed with a low degree of crystallinity increased the material\u0026rsquo;s capability of effectively rendering plausible antimicrobial species (e.g., \u0026bull;O\u003csup\u003e2\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e, \u0026bull;OH\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u003c/sup\u003e, and Cu\u003csup\u003e2+\u003c/sup\u003e) with excellent antimicrobial efficacy towards \u003cem\u003eEscherichia coli\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eE. coli)\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eStaphylococcus aureus\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eS. aureus\u003c/em\u003e). This innovative composite, CuO-TiO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e-PP, offers new perspectives on managing bloodstream infections associated with catheter use.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Effect of Compositions and Heat Treatments of Polypropylene/PP-g- MAH/CuO-TiO2 composites on Thermal, Crystallization and Antimicrobial Properties","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-02-29 21:44:47","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3988183/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":"February 29th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-03-02T16:44:19+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-02-29 21:44:47","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-3988183","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-3988183","identity":"rs-3988183","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}