In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of natural rubber latex film surface coated with PMMA nanoparticles

In order to increase surface roughness of the sulphur-prevulcanized natural rubber (SPNR) film and, hence, decrease the direct contact between the rubber and skin, the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) latex particles were deposited onto the SPNR film grafted with polyacrylamide (SPNR-g-PAAm). The surface coverage of PMMA particles on the SPNR-g-PAAm increased with increasing latex immersion time, particle size and concentration. Prior to the in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation on L-929 fibroblasts, the SPNR and SPNR-g-PAAm coated with PMMA particles were extracted by using the culture medium. Results showed that the cytotoxicity effect could be significantly reduced by coating PMMA particles onto the rubber film. At the extract concentrations of <= 12.5% for 24 h at 37 degrees C, no toxicity potential was detected. The study will be helpful for development of gloves designed for the hypersensitive person. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.