The antibacterial properties of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) were successfully demonstrated in vitro for Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. The possible mechanisms of antibacterial impact included the emergence of reactive oxygen species, induced by free radicals on the NP surface and accompanied by subsequent oxidative stress, as well as mechanical decomposition of the mitochondrial membrane. Se nanocoatings were deposited on bare and silver-coated silica glass substrates via inkjet printing with concentrated nanoinks, prepared by infrared laser-ablative processing of a solid Se target in a 50%-isopropyl solution. The resulted porous nanofilms with high-percentage surface coverage, consisting of spherical Se NPs and Se nanorods, were characterized by means of standard microscopy techniques (optical, scanning electron, transmission), UV–vis–IR and EDX spectroscopy.
A combined mechano-and chemo-bactericidal nanomorphology, consisting of periodical surface structures on silicon with deposited nanoparticles of selenium, tellurium oxide, antimony oxide and silver, was fabricated via laser ablation in deionized water with femto-and nanosecond laser systems. The resulting functional surfaces were tested against the formation of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms, and their morphology and elemental composition was characterized with scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray and Raman spectroscopy. Antibacterial properties were suggested to originate from the combined chemical toxicity of nanoparticles and the mechanical damage caused by the sharp nanoscale relief on silicon.
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