Abstract
The emergence and spreading of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has forced the focus of attention on a significant issue: the realization of antimicrobial surfaces for public spaces, which do not require extensive use of disinfectants. Silver represents one of the most used elements in this context, thanks to its excellent biocidal performance. This work describes a simple method for the realization of anodized aluminum layers, whose antimicrobial features are ensured by the co-deposition with silver nitrate. The durability and the chemical resistance of the samples were evaluated by means of several accelerated degradation tests, such as the exposure in a salt spray chamber, the contact with synthetic sweat and the scrub test, highlighting the residual influence of silver in altering the protective behavior of the alumina layers. Furthermore, the ISO 22196:2011 standard was used as the reference protocol to set up an assay to measure the effective antibacterial activity of the alumina-Ag layers against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria, even at low concentrations of silver. Finally, the Ag-containing aluminum oxide layers exhibited excellent antimicrobial performances also following the chemical–physical degradation processes, ensuring good durability over time of the antimicrobial surfaces. Overall, this work introduces a simple route for the realization of anodized aluminum surfaces with excellent antibacterial properties.
Highlights
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic represents one of the heaviest challenges of recent decades, introducing radical changes in the habits of people all over the world
This work aims to present a simple process for the realization of anodized aluminum layers with antibacterial features
The study focused on evaluating the effect introduced by the silver-based filler on the protective performance of the alumina layer
Summary
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic represents one of the heaviest challenges of recent decades, introducing radical changes in the habits of people all over the world. Public attention has focused on indirect spread and transmission of pathogenic microorganisms through surfaces, which require careful disinfection. The common spread of infections caused by viruses and bacteria in healthcare settings [1], combined with the ever-increasing bacterial antibiotic resistance, represent a critical concern, especially for the health of already fragile subjects [2,3]. Surface contamination in public spaces constitutes a major cause for apprehension: train and metro stations, airports, restaurants, and elevators must be subject to constant disinfection of all touch-on surfaces [4]. Scientific research has recently been directed to alternative approaches, developing innovative composite materials with the ability to counteract the contamination of bacteria and viruses. Extensive use of disinfectants could be avoided, achieving a better safety of the products through a selective preventive approach
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