Composite Nanoparticles on the Natural Rubber Latex Glove for Reduction of Surface Friction and Cytotoxicity

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles were deposited via the Layer-by-Layer technique onto sulphur prevulcanized natural rubber latex film grafted with polyacrylamide (SPNR-g-PAAm). Besides an increase in surface hardness and roughness, hence, decrease of the surface friction of SPNR glove, a direct contact between skin and rubber film was reduced. Consequently, it was expected that the allergic problem to certain sensitive individuals and cytotoxic potential caused by the leachable non-rubbers (proteins) and lubricant powder sprinkled onto SPNR glove would be lowered. The SPNR and SPNR-g-PAAm coated with PMMA particles were extracted by using the culture medium and subjected to the in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation on L-929 fibroblasts. Results showed that the cytotoxicity was effectively reduced by coating PMMA particles onto the grafted rubber film. In order to improve both the binding ability with SPNR and antimicrobial activity, the PMMA-chitosan core-shell particles were prepared for further depositing onto the non-grafted SPNR film. Moreover, the nanocapsules containing an aqueous core of disinfectant agent (chlorhexidine digluconate) and poly(methyl acrylate) or sulphur prevulcanized skim rubber shell were prepared for being embedded in SPNR glove.