RESUMEN
The search for new materials that can be applied in the treatment of injured human tissues has led to the development of new dressings. Membranes have potential as dressing materials because they can be fitted to and interact with the tissue surface. In this study, we analyze the morphological properties and wettability of latex membranes, along with the incorporation of the photosensitizer methylene blue, in the context of the utility of the membranes in curative applications involving photodynamic therapy (PDT). It was observed that deposition of the photosensitizer into latex membranes increased both the surface roughness and wettability. Antifungal testing indicated that antimicrobial PDT assisted by the latex membranes incorporating methylene blue effectively inactivated Candida albicans.
Asunto(s)
Antiinfecciosos/química , Antiinfecciosos/farmacología , Colorantes/química , Látex , Membranas Artificiales , Azul de Metileno/química , Azul de Metileno/farmacología , Candida albicans/efectos de los fármacos , Candida albicans/efectos de la radiación , FotoquimioterapiaRESUMEN
We report the preparation of poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-modified polyvinylidene fluoride electrospun fibers and their use as a novel adsorbent material for the removal of the anionic dye Methyl Orange (MO) from aqueous media. This novel adsorbent material can be used to selectively remove MO on a wide pH range (3.0-10.0), with a maximum capacity of 143.8 mg/g at pH 3.0. When used in a recirculating filtration system, the maximum absorption capacity was reached in a shorter time (20 min) than that observed for batch mode experiments (360 min). Based on the analyses of the kinetics and adsorption isotherm data, one can conclude that the predominant mechanism of interaction between the membrane and the dissolved dye molecules is electrostatic. Besides, considering the estimated values for the Gibbs energy, and entropy and enthalpy changes, it was established that the adsorption process is spontaneous and occurs in an endothermic manner. The good mechanical and environmental stability of these membranes allowed their use in at least 20 consecutive adsorption/desorption cycles, without significant loss of their characteristics. We suggest that the physical-chemical characteristics of PEDOT make these hybrid mats a promising adsorbent material for use in water remediation protocols and effluent treatment systems.