Agarose hydrogels, combined with 45S5 Bioglass®, were elaborated to serve as copper delivery systems. Our aim was to study the antibacterial properties of these hydrogels. The results show that the amount of glass does not influence the stiffness properties, but it improves the hydrophilicity and the swelling profile of agarose hydrogel. Two bacterial strains, Bacillus sp. 4J6 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa sp. PAO1, were chosen. Their retention on the substrates was analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The mechanical characteristics and the release of copper have an effect on the bacterial adhesion and the biofilm formation. All the obtained results indicate that these hydrogels could be adapted to a potential application to the antibacterial coatings.
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Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Micronutrients, Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc, National Academies Press (2001).
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