Unique physical, chemical, and biological properties of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have generated considerable interest in environmental and medical fields.  In the current study we will illustrate the complex relationship between the environmental conditions, rate of aggregation of and the antimicrobial properties of copper nanoparticles.  The environmental parameters selected for the study include: temperature, pH, concentration of mono- and di-valent cations (K+, Ca+2, Mg+2) and natural organic matter.  Aggregation behavior was measured using time-resolved dynamic light scattering whereas antimicrobial activity was measured against Escherichia coli (bacteria) and Candida bombicola (yeast).  A customized 'design of experiment' (DOE) was used to select the combination of environmental parameters across the design space.  The DOE has advantages of having minimum constrains in the selection of design points, lowering the number of experiments to be performed, and having the ability to capture higher order interactions.  Linear and quadratic regression models have been developed to understand the primary and interactive influence of the parameters on the aggregation and antimicrobial behavior separately.  In addition, a relationship between the aggregation rate and antimicrobial activity has been established.

Aggregation and antimicrobial activity of copper nanoparticle suspension

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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