Paper modified with ZnO nanorods – antimicrobial studies

Mayuree Jaisai,Joydeep Dutta,Sunandan Baruah

doi:10.3762/bjnano.3.78

Mayuree Jaisai, Joydeep Dutta + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3762/bjnano.3.78

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Abstract

Paper with antimicrobial properties was developed through in situ growth of ZnO nanorods. The targeted application for this type of paper is in health centers as wallpaper, writing paper, facemasks, tissue paper, etc. The paper was tested on three model microbes, Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and common airborne fungus Aspergillus niger. No viable bacterial colonies or fungal spores could be detected in the areas surrounding test samples of the antimicrobial paper. Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli were found to be inhibited in an area that is 239% and 163% the area of the paper sample under different room lighting conditions, i.e., halogen and fluorescent lamp illumination, respectively. For Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus the zones of inhibition surrounding the paper samples are 102% and 70%, and for Aspergillus niger, 224% and 183% of the sample area, under similar lighting conditions.

Highlights

Deterioration of library materials due to fungal growth is a worldwide problem and a cause of extensive damage to precious books and manuscripts [1,2]
The highest antimicrobial activity was observed in paper samples coated with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods grown at a concentration of 20 mM for 20 h, which is attributed to the higher effective surface coverage of ZnO nanorods allowing more bacterial cells to come into contact with the ZnO surface
Antimicrobial paper has been successfully prepared by growing ZnO nanorods on paper prepared from bleached soft wood kraft pulp by using a simple hydrothermal process at low temperature

Summary

Introduction

Deterioration of library materials due to fungal growth is a worldwide problem and a cause of extensive damage to precious books and manuscripts [1,2]. This work reports on an antimicrobial paper containing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods grown by a hydrothermal process, and which can be used for various applications, such as facemasks, tissues, wallpapers and writing paper.

Results

Conclusion