Bactericidal, Virucidal, and Biocompatible Properties of 3D Printed Materials Enhanced with Copper and Zinc Nanoparticles

Abstract

The heightened spread of pathogens due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change presents significant health challenges, exacerbated by high transmission, virulence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and novel variants. Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) affect 1 in 31 hospitalized patients, costing $28.4 billion annually. This study introduces a novel approach to pathogen control by integrating copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles into 3D printed Stereolithography (SLA) materials. The 3D impregnated material demonstrates reproducibility and efficacy across different 3D platforms, showcasing complete bactericidal/fungicidal effects against twelve diverse species and a 4 log virucidal activity on eight clinically relevant viral species within 2 h. No significant cytotoxicity is observed in primary human keratinocytes after 2 h of contact. The material maintains its antipathogenic activity after a year of accelerated ageing, suggesting enhances stability and performance over time. This method addresses the limitations of conventional cleaning and surface spraying, which often fall short in efficacy and longevity; for the first time, the incorporation of commercially available nanoparticles into 3D printable materials offers a versatile long-lasting antipathogenic and biocompatible solution for high-contact surfaces in public and clinical settings, reducing the need for cleaning surfaces while limiting infection rates, the threat of AMR, and other future infectious outbreaks.