Comparison of X-Ray Attenuation Performance, Antimicrobial Properties, and Cytotoxicity of Silicone-Based Matrices Containing BiO, PbO, or BiO/PbO Nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND

Application of the nanomaterials to preparing X-ray shields and successfully treating multiresistant microorganisms has attracted great attention in modern life.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to prepare flexible silicone-based matrices containing BiO, PbO, or BiO/PbO nanoparticles and select a cost-effective, cytocompatible, and antibacterial/antifungal X-ray shield in clinical radiography.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this experimental study, we prepared the nanoparticles by the modified biosynthesis method and fabricated the X-ray shields containing 20 wt% of the nanoparticles. The X-ray attenuation percentage and Half Value Layer (HVL) of the shields were investigated for the photon energies in the range of 40-100 kVp in clinical radiography. The antibacterial/antifungal activities of the shields were evaluated using a colony count method for the gram-negative (), and gram-positive () bacteria, and Candida albicans fungus. The shield toxicity was investigated on A549 cells.

RESULTS

The highest X-ray attenuation percentage and the lowest HVL were obtained using the shield containing BiO nanoparticles. Although all shields displayed antimicrobial activity, the shield containing BiO/PbO nanoparticles showed the most effective reduction in the colony counts. Both X-ray shields containing nano BiO and BiO/PbO demonstrated high cytocompatibility on A549 cells at a concentration as high as 500 µg/ml. The shield with PbO nanoparticles was also cytocompatible at a concentration of 50 µg/ml.

CONCLUSION

The best X-ray attenuation performance is attributed to the silicone-based matrix with nano BiO; however, the flexible shield with BiO/PbO nanoparticles can be cost-effective and cytocompatible with the best antibacterial/antifungal properties.