Surface-Functionalised Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: A Pathway to Multidrug-Resistant Pathogen Control in Medical Devices

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) offer promising antimicrobial properties against a range of pathogens, addressing the urgent issue of antibiotic resistance. This study details the synthesis of glutamic acid-coated CuONPs (GA-CuONPs) and their functionalisation on medical-grade silicone tubing, using an oxysilane bonding agent. The resulting coating shows significant antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains, while remaining non-toxic to human cells and exhibiting stable adherence, without leaching. This versatile coating method can be applied during manufacturing, or for ad hoc modifications, enhancing the antimicrobial properties of medical devices.