Chemical Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Coated Insoles for Antibacterial Application

Yee, Kai Weng (2018) Chemical Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Coated Insoles for Antibacterial Application. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Bromodosis or commonly known as smelly feet has been known to cause discomfort and embarrassment to individuals with this medical condition. The major cause that leads to this condition is the metabolism of L-leucine to isovaleric acid by Staphylococcus epidermidis and the production of isovaleric acid, a cheesy smell volatile compound that leads to foul foot odour. To overcome this problem, one of the possible approaches is to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus species and to avoid the production of metabolic end-product. At current, foot insoles available in the market such as charcoal insoles mainly focus at increasing moisture absorption, at the same time reducing smell and odour. Thus, the approach in this project is to synthesize copper coated insoles to inhibit foot-odour producing bacteria targeting on Staphyloccocus species. The copper coated insoles were synthesized based on chemical reduction method and stabilized by capping agent, ethylene glycol to prevent oxidation. Staphylococcus species was isolated and confirmatory tests such as Gram-staining, catalase test and DNA amplification using specific primer was carried out to reaffirm the strain. The result of 16S rDNA sequencing of isolated bacteria showed 97% similarity with Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Antimicrobial study shown there was statistically significant (P<0.05) difference in the zone of inhibition for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus haemolyticus between insoles with copper coatings and without any coatings. This indicated that the efficacy of copper in suppressing the growth of bacteria. The data proved the potential application of copper coatings on shoes insoles in foot odour control.