Antimicrobial natural rubber (NR) latex films for stethoscope diaphragm cover application

Abstract

A stethoscope diaphragm without regular disinfection could be a potential vector for cross-transmission of healthcare-associated infections. Therefore, an antimicrobial latex film could be used as a cover to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms on its surface. This research was conducted to investigate the antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties of antimicrobial natural rubber (NR) latex films with the addition of different types of antimicrobial agents (mangosteen peel powder (MPP), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP), povidone-iodine (PVP-I)) with loading 2.0 phr. The addition of antimicrobial agents showed an optimal inhibition against the growth of Gram negative bacteria and fungi. They exhibited good antimicrobial efficacy with the largest zone of inhibition for MPP and PVP-I antimicrobial agents. The mechanical properties of the NR latex films with antimicrobial agents were still on par with the unfilled NR latex films. There was no significant drop in mechanical properties after adding the antimicrobial agents. In summary, the addition of antimicrobial agents, mainly ZnO NP can be a better choice for NR latex films as it will have dual functions as an activator and antimicrobial properties.