The design and synthesis of novel hybrid‐silica nanoparticles (NPs) containing the FDA‐approved antimicrobial triclosan (Irgasan) covalently linked within the inorganic matrix for its controlled, slow release upon interaction, is reported. The NPs are in the range of 130 ± 30 nm in diameter, with a smooth and spherical morphology. Characterization of the hybrid‐silica NPs containing triclosan, namely T‐SNPs, and their appropriate linkers is accomplished by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. Preliminary antimicrobial activity is studied through bacterial‐growth experiments. The T‐SNPs are found to be superior in killing bacteria, as compared with the free biocide.
A nondestructive
one-step approach was applied for grafting biocide-free
monodispersed silica nanoparticles (SNPs) with a diameter of 30 ±
10 nm on polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride surfaces.
The prepared surfaces were comprehensively characterized using spectroscopic
(Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflection, ultraviolet–visible,
and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and microscopic (high-resolution
scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy) methods.
The modified polymers were found to maintain their original mechanical
and physical properties, while their nanoroughness on the other hand
had risen by 1.6–2.7 times because of SNP grafting. The SNP-grafted
surfaces displayed anti-biofouling properties, resulting in a significant
reduction in the attached Gram-positive
Bacillus licheniformis
or Gram-negative
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
bacteria compared to their nongrafted counterparts. Confocal laser
scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies have
confirmed that bacterial cells could not successfully adhere onto
the SNP-grafted polymer films regardless of the polymer type, and
their biofilm formation was therefore damaged. The presented facile
and straightforward protocol allows eliminating the need for biocidal
agents and resorts to grafted nanosilica instead. This strategy may
serve as a feasible and safe platform for the development of sustainable
anti-biofouling surfaces in biomedical devices; food, water, and air
treatment systems; and industrial equipment.
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