Plasticization of PVC membranes with eugenol for Biomedical Applications

Ahmed M. Omer, Tamer M. Tamer*, Mohamed A. Hassan, Maysa M. Sabet, Mohamed S. Mohy Eldin

PVC polymer has been taken the attention of the scientists in early decay as blood containers instead of glass containers. To increase the stability and flexibility of the PVC, several compounds such as Di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and ethylene oxide were applied. Some recent reports recorded the risks of these compounds toward public health. In the present study, Antimicrobial PVC films containing different amounts of eugenol as a plasticizer were prepared using traditional casting method. The physical and mechanical properties of PVC membranes e.g. surface wettability were investigated. The increase of eugenol content demonstrated an increase in surface hydrophilicity and elongation to break the film. Thermal analysis exhibited a decrease of polymer thermal stability by increasing eugenol concentration. However, the antibacterial activities against six different bacterial strains; three Gram positive: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Bacillus cereus as well as, three Gram negative: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella sp. and Escherichia coli were promoted by addition of eugenol. Although the natural source of eugenol, the bio-evaluation of plasticized membranes showed an increase in hemolysis percent (%) and thrombus weight. It can be concluded that the addition of eugenol to PVC needs to further studies for applying in blood bags.