Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity, Hemostatic Efficacy, Blood Coagulation Dynamics, and DNA Damage of Linen–Copper Composite Materials

This research examined the biochemical and microbiological characteristics of linen–copper (LI-Cu) composite materials, which were synthesized using magnetronsputtering techniques. The LI-Cu composites underwent comprehensive physicochemical and biological analyses. Physicochemical evaluations included elemental analysis (C, O, Cu), microscopic examination, and assessments of surface properties such as specific surface area and total pore volume. Biological evaluations encompassed microbiological tests and biochemical–hematological assessments, including the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT). We determined the effect of LI-Cu materials on the viability and DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear (PBM) cells. Moreover, we studied the interactions of LI-Cu materials with plasmid DNA using a plasmid relaxation assay. The antimicrobial activity of LI-Cu composites was assessed using methodologies consistent with the EN ISO 20645:2006 and EN 14119:2005 standards. Specimens of the tested material were placed on inoculated agar plates containing representative microorganisms, and the extent of growth inhibition zones was measured. The results demonstrated that the modified materials exhibited antimicrobial activity against representative strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi. The results showed the cyto- and genotoxic properties of LI-Cu against PBM cells in a time- and power-dependent manner. Furthermore, the LI-Cu composite exhibited the potential for direct interaction with plasmid DNA.