Low-density Polyethylene Surface Research Articles

Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes in biofilms by pulsed ultraviolet light.

BackgroundThe inactivation of biofilms formed by pathogenic bacteria on ready-to-eat and minimally processed fruits and vegetables by nonthermal processing methods is critical to ensure food safety. Pulsed ultraviolet (PUV) light has shown promise in the surface decontamination of liquid, powdered, and solid foods. In this study, the antimicrobial efficacy of PUV light treatment on nascent biofilms formed by Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes on the surfaces of food packaging materials, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and fresh produce, such as lettuce (Lactuca sativa) leaves, was investigated.ResultsThe formation of biofilms on Romaine lettuce leaves and LDPE films was confirmed by crystal violet and Alcian blue staining methods. Inactivation of cells in the biofilm was determined by standard plating procedures, and by a luminescence-based bacterial cell viability assay. Upon PUV treatment of 10 s at two different light source to sample distances (4.5 and 8.8 cm), viable cell counts of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 in biofilms on the lettuce surface were reduced by 0.6–2.2 log CFU mL−1 and 1.1–3.8 log CFU mL−1, respectively. On the LDPE surface, the efficiency of inactivation of biofilm-encased cells was slightly higher. The maximum values for microbial reduction on LDPE were 2.7 log CFU mL−1 and 3.9 log CFU mL−1 for L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7, respectively. Increasing the duration of PUV light exposure resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in biofilm formation by both organisms. The results also revealed that PUV treatment was more effective at reducing E. coli biofilms compared with Listeria biofilms. A moderate increase in temperature (~7–15°C) was observed for both test materials.ConclusionsPUV is an effective nonthermal intervention method for surface decontamination of E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes on fresh produce and packaging materials.

Adaptation of Pseudomonas sp. AKS2 in biofilm on low-density polyethylene surface: an effective strategy for efficient survival and polymer degradation

Abstract Background Pseudomonas sp. AKS2 can efficiently degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE). It has been shown that this degradation of LDPE by AKS2 is correlated to its ability to form biofilm on the polymer surface. However, the underlying mechanism of this biofilm-mediated degradation remains unclear. Since bioremediation potential of an organism is related to its adaptability in a given environment, we hypothesized that AKS2 cells undergo successful adaptation in biofilm on LDPE, which leads to higher level of LDPE degradation. To verify this, the current study investigated a number of parameters of AKS2 cells in biofilm that are known to be involved in adaptation process. Results Successful adaptation always develops a viable microbial population. So we examined the viability of AKS2 cells in biofilm. We observed the presence of viable population in the biofilm. To gain an insight, the growth of AKS2 cells in biofilm on LDPE at different time points was examined. Results showed a better reproductive competence and more colonization for AKS2 biofilm cells than planktonic cells, indicating the increased fitness of AKS2 biofilm cells than their planktonic counterpart. Towards understanding fitness, we determined the hydrolytic activity, different carbon source utilization potentials, functional diversity and homogeneity of AKS2 biofilm cells. Results showed increased hydrolytic activity (approximately 31%), higher metabolic potential, higher functional diversity (approximately 27%) and homogeneity for biofilm-harvested cells than planktonic cells. We also examined cellular surface hydrophobicity, which is important for cellular attachment to LDPE surface. Consistent with the above results, the cell surface hydrophobicity of biofilm-harvested AKS2 cells was found to be higher (approximately 26%) compared to that of their planktonic counterpart. All these results demonstrated the occurrence of physiological as well as structural adaptations of AKS2 cells in biofilm on LDPE surface that resulted in better attachment, better utilization of polymer and better growth of AKS2 cells, leading to the development of a stable colony on LDPE surface. Conclusions The present study shows that AKS2 cells in biofilm on LDPE surface undergo successful adaptation that leads to enhanced LDPE degradation, and thus, it helps us to understand the underlying mechanism of biofilm-mediated polymer degradation process by AKS2 cells.

Icephobicity and the effect of water condensation on the superhydrophobic low-density polyethylene surface

A superhydrophobic surface was obtained on a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) substrate using a facile method. The water contact angle and the sliding angle of the superhydrophobic LDPE surface were 155 ± 2° and 4°, respectively. The ice shear stress of the superhydrophobic LDPE surface was 2.08 times smaller than that of the flat LDPE surface. The superhydrophobic surface still showed excellent icephobicity and superhydrophobicity after undergoing a circulatory icing/deicing procedure five times. In addition, water condensation and its effect on the icephobicity of the as-prepared superhydrophobic surface were also studied.

LDPE Surface Modifications Induced by Atmospheric Plasma Torches with Linear and Showerhead Configurations

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) surfaces have been plasma modified to improve their nanostructural and wettability properties. These modifications can significantly improve the deposition of subsequent layers such as films with specific barrier properties. For this purpose, we compare the treatments induced by two atmospheric plasma torches with different configurations (showerhead vs. linear). The modifications of LDPE films in terms of chemical surface composition and surface morphology are evidenced by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water contact angles measurements, and atomic force microscopy. A comparison between the two post‐discharge treatments is achieved for several torch‐to‐substrate distances (gaps), treatment times, and oxygen flow rates in terms of etching rate, roughening rate, diffusion of oxygen into the subsurface and hydrophilicity. By correlating these results with the chemical composition of the post‐discharges, we identify and compare the species which are responsible for the chemical surface functionalization, the surface roughening, and etching.

Antibacterial treatment of LDPE with halogen derivatives via cold plasma

The factor limiting the application of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in healthcare is its high susceptibility to bacterial growth. For this reason, we here investigated antibacterial treatments of LDPE foils using appropriate antibacterial agents. Benzalkonium chloride and bronopol were selected because of their satisfactory antibacterial effect, which has been confirmed by their application in the medical and cosmetic industries. The aforementioned substances were immobilized by a multistep approach via the grafting of polyacrylic acid (PAA) brushes onto LDPE surfaces pre-treated with low-tempera- ture plasma. Measurements of the surface energy, peel strength of the adhesive joints, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), and atomic force micro scopy (AFM) were used to investigate the surface and adhesive properties of the antibacterial-treated LDPE. Moreover, the antibac- terial effect was determined via measurements of the inhibition zone of the Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacterial strain. The antibacterial activity of benzalkonium chloride was observed to be more pronounced than that of bronopol. Inhi- bition-zone measurements of Escherichia coli (E. coli) were also conducted, but an antibacterial effect was not observed.

Rapid bacterial colonization of low-density polyethylene microplastics in coastal sediment microcosms.

BackgroundSynthetic microplastics (≤5-mm fragments) are emerging environmental contaminants that have been found to accumulate within coastal marine sediments worldwide. The ecological impacts and fate of microplastic debris are only beginning to be revealed, with previous research into these topics having primarily focused on higher organisms and/or pelagic environments. Despite recent research into plastic-associated microorganisms in seawater, the microbial colonization of microplastics in benthic habitats has not been studied. Therefore, we employed a 14-day microcosm experiment to investigate bacterial colonization of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microplastics within three types of coastal marine sediment from Spurn Point, Humber Estuary, U.K.ResultsBacterial attachment onto LDPE within sediments was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy and catalyzed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridisation (CARD-FISH). Log-fold increases in the abundance of 16S rRNA genes from LDPE-associated bacteria occurred within 7 days with 16S rRNA gene numbers on LDPE surfaces differing significantly across sediment types, as shown by quantitative PCR. Terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis demonstrated rapid selection of LDPE-associated bacterial assemblages whose structure and composition differed significantly from those in surrounding sediments. Additionally, T-RFLP analysis revealed successional convergence of the LDPE-associated communities from the different sediments over the 14-day experiment. Sequencing of cloned 16S rRNA genes demonstrated that these communities were dominated after 14 days by the genera Arcobacter and Colwellia (totalling 84–93% of sequences). Attachment by Colwellia spp. onto LDPE within sediments was confirmed by CARD-FISH.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that bacteria within coastal marine sediments can rapidly colonize LDPE microplastics, with evidence for the successional formation of plastisphere-specific bacterial assemblages. Although the taxonomic compositions of these assemblages are likely to differ between marine sediments and the water column, both Arcobacter and Colwellia spp. have previously been affiliated with the degradation of hydrocarbon contaminants within low-temperature marine environments. Since hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria have also been discovered on plastic fragments in seawater, our data suggest that recruitment of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria on microplastics is likely to represent a shared feature between both benthic and pelagic marine habitats.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12866-014-0232-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella)-resistant food packaging film development using microencapsulated cinnamon oil.

Insect-resistant laminate films containing microencapsulated cinnamon oil (CO) were developed to protect food products from the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella). CO microencapsulated with polyvinyl alcohol was incorporated with a printing ink and the ink mixture was applied to a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film as an ink coating. The coated LDPE surface was laminated with a polypropylene film. The laminate film impeded the invasion of moth larvae and repelled the larvae. The periods of time during which cinnamaldehyde level in the film remained above a minimum repelling concentration, predicted from the concentration profile, were 21, 21, and 10 d for cookies, chocolate, and caramel, respectively. Coating with microencapsulated ink did not alter the tensile or barrier properties of the laminate film. Microencapsulation effectively prevented volatilization of CO. The laminate film can be produced by modern film manufacturing lines and applied to protect food from Indian meal moth damage. The LDPE-PP laminate film developed using microencapsulated cinnamon oil was effective to protect the model foods from the invasion of Indian meal moth larvae. The microencapsulated ink coating did not significantly change the tensile and barrier properties of the LDPE-PP laminate film, implying that replacement of the uncoated with coated laminate would not be an issue with current packaging equipment. The films showed the potential to be produced in commercial film production lines that usually involve high temperatures because of the improved thermal stability of cinnamon oil due to microencapsulation. The microencapsulated system may be extended to other food-packaging films for which the same ink-printing platform is used.

Adhesion enhancement of polyethylene modified by capacitively coupled radio frequency plasma polymerization of ethanol

The plasma polymerization of ethanol monomer was carried out under the capacitively coupled radio frequency plasma (CCP) of a radio frequency (RF) power of 100W at different power to flow rate (P/F) ratios of 0.7, 1.0 and 2.7W/sccm. The influence of the P/F ratios on deposition rate, chemical composition, surface morphology, and wettability were studied for the plasma polymer films of ethanol monomer on the pristine low density polyethylene (LDPE) surfaces and the surfaces under the oxygen CCP pretreatment of a RF power of 200W for an exposure time of 1 and 5min. The deposition rate of the plasma polymer films gradually increased with the P/F ratios. The retention of the hydroxyl groups decreased and the contents of the ketone, carboxylic acid, ester, ether, and epoxide groups increased in the plasma polymer films with the increased P/F ratios. The conformal deposition of the plasma polymer films to the LDPE surfaces was found on the pristine surfaces with the sub-micrometer asperities and the surfaces under oxygen CCP pretreatment with the nanotextures. The dynamic contact angle of the plasma polymer films increased with the P/F ratios on the LDPE surfaces with the sub-micrometer asperities. The plasma polymer films showed the decrease of the dynamic contact angle with the P/F ratios on the surfaces with the nanonodules and the nanopillar array. The significant improvement of the adhesion was achieved for LDPE samples with the nanonodules and the nanopillar array under the surface modification of the oxygen CCP pretreatment followed by the deposition of the plasma polymer films of ethanol monomer due to the cooperation adhesion mechanisms of the mechanical interlocking and the chemical bonding.

Polyglycerol dendrimers immobilized on radiation grafted poly-HEMA hydrogels: Surface chemistry characterization and cell adhesion

Radiation induced grafting of poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) (PHEMA) on low density polyethylene (LDPE) films and subsequent immobilization of poly(glycerol) dendrimer (PGLD) has been performed with the aim to improve cell adhesion and proliferation on the surface of the polymer, in order to enhance their properties for bone tissue engineering scaffolding applications. Radiation grafting of PHEMA onto LDPE was promoted by γ-ray radiation. The covalent immobilization of PGLD on LDPE-g-PHEMA surface was performed by using a dicyclohexyl carbodiimide (DCC)/N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) method. The occurrence of grafting polymerization of PHEMA and further immobilization of PGLD was quantitatively confirmed by photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and fluorescence, respectively. The LDPE-g-PHEMA surface topography after PGLD coupling was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The hydrophilicity of the LDPE-g-PHEMA film was remarkably improved compared to that of the ungrafted LDPE. The core level XPS ESCA spectrum of PHEMA-grafted LDPE showed two strong peaks at 286.6eV (from hydroxyl groups and ester groups) and 289.1eV (from ester groups) due to PHEMA brushes grafted onto LDPE surfaces. The results from the cell adhesion studies show that MCT3-E1 cells tended to spread more slowly on the LDPE-g-PHEMA than on the LDPE-g-PHEMA-i-PGLD.

Low-density polyethylene films treated by an atmospheric Ar–O2 post-discharge: functionalization, etching, degradation and partial recovery of the native wettability state

To optimize the adhesion of layers presenting strong barrier properties on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) surfaces, we investigated the influence of argon and argon–oxygen atmospheric pressure post-discharges. This study was performed using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and dynamic water contact angle (WCA) measurements. After the plasma treatment, a slight increase in the roughness was emphasized, more particularly for the samples treated in a post-discharge supplied in oxygen. Measurements of the surface roughness and of the oxygen surface concentration suggested the competition of two processes playing a role on the surface hydrophilicity and occurring during the post-discharge treatment: the etching and the activation of the surface. The etching rate was estimated to about 2.7 nm s−1 and 5.8 nm s−1 for Ar and Ar–O2 post-discharges, respectively. The mechanisms underlying this etching were investigated through experiments, in which we discuss the influence of the O2 flow rate and the distance (gap) separating the plasma torch from the LDPE surface located downstream. O atoms and NO molecules (emitting in the UV range) detected by OES seem to be good candidates to explain the etching process. An ageing study is also presented to evidence the stability of the treated surfaces over 60 days. After 60 days of storage, we showed that whatever the O2 flow rate, the treated films registered a loss of their hydrophilic state since their WCA increased towards a common threshold of 80°. This ‘hydrophobic recovery’ effect was mostly attributed to the reorientation of induced polar chemical groups into the bulk of the material. Indeed, the relative concentrations of the carbonyl and carboxyl groups at the surface decreased with the storage time and seemed to reach a plateau after 30 days.

Preparation and characterization of a porous superhydrophobic polymeric surface via facile technique

The porous superhydrophobic surface of low density polyethylene (LDPE) was fabricated via a simple technique using an inexpensive non-solvent additive. The prepared polymeric surface was characterized by SEM and AFM to evaluate its morphology. Investigations unveiled that ethanol performed better than methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) as a non-solvent additive, leading to higher surface hydrophobicity. Moreover, increasing ethanol content in LDPE solution up to 50 % (v/v) has resulted in increasing the surface water contact angle (WCA). The resulting nano- and micro-structure surface had water contact and sliding angles of 160° ± 1.4° and 2°, respectively. The LDPE surface sustained its superhydrophobic behavior even upon exposure to acid, alkali, and amine solutions. Industrially, the findings obtained in this work might contribute toward improving gas-liquid contactors due to its water repellency characteristic and protection of surfaces due to its resistance to strong corrosive materials.

Surface modification of low-density polyethylene with poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) using a low-pressure plasma treatment

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a suitable polymer for biomedical applications due to its good physiochemical properties, but its insufficient biocompatibility is often an issue. Therefore, biocompatible substances such as those based on 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline seem to be a good choice to increase the LDPE biocompatibility. In this work, the surface modification of LDPE with poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) with two different end-groups was investigated. This modification led to the improvement of surface and adhesion properties, which were investigated by several analytical methods. The low-temperature plasma treatment of the LDPE surface was sufficient to create binding sites for the permanent attachment of poly(2ethyl-2-oxazoline) chains. This was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that the polymer containing the acrylic end-group was well attached to the LDPE surface.

Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes on a polyethylene surface modified by layer-by-layer deposition of the antimicrobial N-halamine

Modification of food contact surfaces to be antimicrobial represents an approach to address the problem of cross-contamination in the food industry. The effect of increasing levels of surface modification on low density polyethylene (LDPE) through application of N-halamines on the inactivation kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A was evaluated. Increasing levels of modification were applied through layer by layer deposition on LDPE surface (1–5 double layers of polyethyleneimine and poly(acrylic acid)). Surface modification was achieved and confirmed through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). From 1 to 5 double layers, the N-halamine content ranged from 3.42±1.2 to 27.30±3.5nmolcm−2. More than four logarithmic cycles (>99.99%) reduction was reached against L. monocytogenes Scott A after different contact times depending on the level of modification, that varied from 50 to 110min (from 5 to 2 double layers). Inactivation kinetics followed a sigmoidal behavior.

The influence of process conditions on the formation of thallium sulfide layers on polyethylene by the use of higher polythionic acid H2S33O6

Abstract Thallium sulfide layers of varying composition form on the surface of low-density polyethylene (PE) when the PE films have been sulfurized in a solution of higher polythionic acid H2S33O6, and then immersed in the alkaline solution of thallium (I) sulfate. The concentration of sulfur sorbed-diffused into PE surface increases with the increase of the sulfurization time and concentration of higher polythionic acid solution. The concentration of thallium in the Tlx Sy layers depends on the sulfur concentration sorbed-diffused into PE, the concentration, and temperature of thallium (I) sulfate solutions. By chemical analysis of the obtained sulfide layers it was determined that the values of x and y in the TlxSy layers varies in the intervals: 1xy2S2 were identified by X-ray diffraction analysis in thallium sulfide layers. Scanning Electron (SEM) and Atomic Force (AFM) microscopies were used to characterize surface morphology of thallium sulfide layers. The films deposited on the PE surface have a non-homogeneous structure, and consist of separated islands.

Micro-injection Molded Polymeric Surfaces for the Maintenance of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs)

ABSTRACTIn this work, we take advantage of injection molding as a high volume and repeatable method to create surface areas for the growth of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Ultraviolet lithography, combined with deep reactive ion etching, was used to generate micro-features over a relatively large surface area of a silicon wafer. The micro-featured silicon wafer was used as a mold insert for the micro-injection molding process to create polystyrene and low density polyethylene surfaces. Micro-geometry was used to alter the effective surface stiffness of the polymer substrate. Created samples were characterized via scanning electron microscopy and tensile testing. hMSCs were seeded onto samples for initial studies. Actin and vinculin were visualized through ICC to compare cytoskeletal elements. Changes in cell morphology were examined using ICC. Results indicate that injection molding of microfeatured substrates is a viable technique to produce surfaces amenable to stem cell growth.

On the effects of atmospheric-pressure microplasma array treatment on polymer and biological materials

This paper reports the first systematic investigation on the effects of atmospheric-pressure helium microplasma array treatment on the surface chemistries of model organic materials and a biological coating. These materials include polystyrene (PS), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The plasma treatment introduced a range of oxygen functionalities into the surface of the polymers, with oxygen incorporation reaching “saturation” after relatively short treatment times. PS and LDPE surfaces were more readily oxidised and to a greater depth compared to ETFE. The polymer surfaces became smoother at short plasma treatment times due to removal of adventitious hydrocarbon, but became rougher at longer treatment times as a result of etching of low molecular weight, volatile material from the surface. Atmospheric-pressure helium microplasma array treatment of a BSA layer resulted in the majority of the protein being removed from the underlying (PS) surface. The plasma treatment reduced the surface roughness of the BSA coating at short treatment times, but at longer treatment times, the surface roughness increased and the surfaces exhibited granular structures. All of the hydrophobic polymers became hydrophilic after the plasma treatment. The hydrophilicity of the surfaces decreased upon storage (hydrophobic recovery) and none of the polymers reverted to their original hydrophobic state, even after 500 h of storage. The knowledge presented in this paper may be useful in the development of new manufacturing processes based on atmospheric-pressure plasma and in the field of plasma medicine, particularly with respect to cleaning and sterilisation methods. In addition, it provides a foundation for future efforts to establish the mechanisms behind interactions of atmospheric-pressure plasmas with materials.

Cutting a drop of water pinned by wire loops using a superhydrophobic surface and knife.

A water drop on a superhydrophobic surface that is pinned by wire loops can be reproducibly cut without formation of satellite droplets. Drops placed on low-density polyethylene surfaces and Teflon-coated glass slides were cut with superhydrophobic knives of low-density polyethylene and treated copper or zinc sheets, respectively. Distortion of drop shape by the superhydrophobic knife enables a clean break. The driving force for droplet formation arises from the lower surface free energy for two separate drops, and it is modeled as a 2-D system. An estimate of the free energy change serves to guide when droplets will form based on the variation of drop volume, loop spacing and knife depth. Combining the cutting process with an electrofocusing driving force could enable a reproducible biomolecular separation without troubling satellite drop formation.

Enhanced electret charge stability on polyethylene films treated with titanium-tetrachloride vapor

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films have been treated with titanium-tetrachloride vapor by means of the molecular-layer-deposition method. It is shown that such a treatment leads to a considerable improvement of the electret properties for both positively and negatively charged films. The temperature stability of the electret homo-charge has been increased by approximately 60°C. At the same time, the temporal stability of charge is also considerably improved. Modified low-density polyethylene films show no “cross-over phenomenon” when charged to higher voltages. Thus, it is now possible to produce electrets from polyethylene films with high initial charge densities, but without a strongly reduced charge stability. The influence of a chemical treatment with titanium-tetrachloride vapor on charge injection from aluminum electrodes into polyethylene films was also investigated. It is found that the interface between an aluminum electrode and a modified LDPE surface layer has different injection properties for positive and negative charges. Electrons can be injected across the modified interface, whereas injection of holes is either very limited or non-existent.

Surface modification of polyethylene by diffuse barrier discharge plasma

AbstractLow‐density polyethylene (LDPE) modified by atmospheric dielectric surface barrier discharge plasma in oxygen was investigated to improve surface properties and adhesion of LDPE to more polar polymers. The process of plasma modification was investigated using several methods—surface energy measurements, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR‐ATR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The surface energy of LDPE increased significantly after activation by oxygen barrier plasma even at very short time of modification. The FTIR‐ATR spectra manifested the presence of carbonyl functional groups on the surface of polymer pre‐treated by oxygen barrier plasma. It was shown by SEM, and AFM, that the topography of modified LDPE was significantly changed and the surface of modified polymer exhibited higher roughness in comparison with unmodified polymer. The surface energy of treated LDPE diminished in the course of ageing especially during the first 10 days after modification by barrier plasma. Hydrophilicity of the modified LDPE surface was stabilized by photochemical post‐functionalization with 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐4‐yl‐diazoacetate. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers

A new route for chitosan immobilization onto polyethylene surface

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) belongs to commodity polymer materials applied in biomedical applications due to its favorable mechanical and chemical properties. The main disadvantage of LDPE in biomedical applications is low resistance to bacterial infections. An antibacterial modification of LDPE appears to be a solution to this problem. In this paper, the chitosan and chitosan/pectin multilayer was immobilized via polyacrylic acid (PAA) brushes grafted on the LDPE surface. The grafting was initiated by a low-temperature plasma treatment of the LDPE surface. Surface and adhesive properties of the samples prepared were investigated by surface analysis techniques. An antibacterial effect was confirmed by inhibition zone measurements of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The chitosan treatment of LDPE led to the highest and most clear inhibition zones (35mm2 for E. coli and 275mm2 for S. aureus).