Abstract
An innovative antimicrobial technology for plastic surfaces is presented. We report the synthesis and scale-up of triangular silver nanoplates (TSNPs) and their integration into polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic acid (PLA) polymers through a solvent-casting technique. The TSNPs have a high geometric aspect ratio and strong local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) response, which provides an effective tool for monitoring their integrity during processing and integration with the biodegradable plastics. An aqueous-based seed-mediated chemical method was used to synthesize the TSNPs, and characterisation was carried out using TEM and UV (Ultraviolet)-VIS (Visible) spectroscopy to measure LSPR profiles. The UV-VIS spectra of silver seeds and TSNPs exhibited characteristic peaks at 395 and 600 nm respectively. Synthesized TSNPs were coated with thiol-terminated polyethylene glycol (SH-PEG) and transferred into chloroform in order to effect compatibility with PCL and PLA. TSNP/PCL and TSNP/PLA composite films were prepared by solvent casting. The morphological structure, thermal, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties of the TSNP-incorporated composite films were evaluated. Results showed the TSNP-treated films had a rougher surface than the bare films. Insignificant changes in the thermal properties of TSNP-treated films compared to bare ones were also observed, which indicated the thermal stability of the composite films. The tensile strength and antimicrobial properties of the composite films were increased after TSNP incorporation. TSNP/PCL and TSNP/PLA films exhibited improved antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with antimicrobial effect (AE) values ranging between 0.10 and 0.35. The obtained results and demonstrated TSNP production scalability validate the TSNP treated PCL and PLA films as a composite material with desirable antimicrobial effect for wide-ranging surface applications.
Highlights
An innovative antimicrobial technology for plastic surfaces is presented
TSC and PSSS were used as stabilizers for seed production, and both have been reported to aid the formation of nanoplates
An Scanning lectron microscope (SEM) analysis showed the cross-section of the triangular silver nanoplates (TSNPs)-treated films had a rougher surface than the bare films
Summary
An innovative antimicrobial technology for plastic surfaces is presented. We report the synthesis and scale-up of triangular silver nanoplates (TSNPs) and their integration into polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic acid (PLA) polymers through a solvent-casting technique. TSNP/PCL and TSNP/PLA composite films were prepared by solvent casting. The obtained results and demonstrated TSNP production scalability validate the TSNP treated PCL and PLA films as a composite material with desirable antimicrobial effect for wide-ranging surface applications. 1. Introduction with regard to jurisdictional claims in Surfaces, in particular common synthetic surfaces, are a frequent source of contamination and/or transmission of microbiological organisms and a critical aspect of disease and infection containment. Introduction with regard to jurisdictional claims in Surfaces, in particular common synthetic surfaces, are a frequent source of contamination and/or transmission of microbiological organisms and a critical aspect of disease and infection containment This can be especially problematic at sites such as healthcare facilities, food industries, and public environments, among others, where pathogens can spread and lead to disease acquisition and transmission. Urgent need for the development of novel and innovative alternative approaches These new technologies must enable a reduced dependence on antibiotic drugs and deliver reduced risks of infection. Researchers are focusing on new strategies such as including novel molecules and using informatics and nanotechnology for the development of novel anti-infection technologies
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