Antimicrobial Performance of Thermoplastic Elastomers Containing Zinc Pyrithione and Silver Nanoparticles

Michele Pittol,Vanda Ferreira Ribeiro,Douglas Naue Simões,Ruth Marlene Campomanes Santana,Daiane Tomacheski

doi:10.1590/1980-5373-mr-2017-0137

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene based thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) incorporated with zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) and silver nanoparticles (AgNano). Japan Industrial Standard was applied to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of incorporated TPE compounds against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Antifungal action was evaluated against Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Cladosporium cladosporioides. Samples prepared with ZnPT eliminated 99.9% of the E. coli and 99.7 % of the S. aureus population, and presented an inhibition zone in the fungal assay. Samples prepared with AgNano eliminated 99.7% of the E. coli and 95.5 % of the S. aureus population. There was no inhibition zone in samples containing AgNano; however, these samples did not present fungal growth on their surfaces. TPE samples containing ZnPT showed biocidal activity against the microorganisms tested and can be used to develop antimicrobial products.

Highlights

Styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) based thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are employed in a wide range of products with elastic properties, such as remote control keyboards, cell phone covers, tooth brush cables, toys and others
The modulus, density and hardness values in zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) incorporated compounds presented a significant difference (p
Overall data obtained in our study showed a good antimicrobial activity of ZnPT-incorporated TPE materials against all the fungus and bacterial species tested

Summary

Introduction

Styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) based thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are employed in a wide range of products with elastic properties, such as remote control keyboards, cell phone covers, tooth brush cables, toys and others. With that in mind, assuming that a biofilm can build up within a few hours[3] and considering that these devices are not usually cleaned properly, the SEBS-based TPE materials can become a place for microbial growth, leading to material degradation and the spread of infections. In this sense, the production of SEBS-based TPE materials with antimicrobial properties is important in order to maintain microbial cells at low counts[4]. The biocide action of ZnPT relies on the inhibition of membrane transport and efflux pumps of microorganisms taunting the accumulation of toxic substances inside the cells[13,14]

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Results

Conclusion