Bactericidal and Fungistatic Properties of LDPE Modified with a Biocide Containing Metal Nanoparticles

Abstract

The aim of this study was to ascertain whether the combined action of metal nanoparticles (silver, copper, zinc oxide, iron oxide) would ensure the appropriate biocidal properties oflow-density polyethylene (LDPE) against pathogenic microorganisms. According to the research hypothesis, appropriately selected concentrations of the applied metal nanoparticles allow for a high level of biocidal activity of polymeric materials against both model and pathogenic bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella pneumophila, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica) and fungi (Aspergillus brasiliensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans, Penicilium expansum), whilst ensuring the safety of use due to the lack of migration of particles to the surrounding environment. Studies have shown that adding 4% of a biocide containing Ag, Cu, ZnO, and Fe2O3 nanoparticles is the most optimal solution to reduce the number of S. aureus, S. enterica,and P. aeruginosa by over 99%. The lowest effectiveness was observed against L. pneumophila bacteria. As for E. coli, a higher biocide content did not significantly increase the antibacterial activity. The results showed a high efficiency of the applied biocide at a concentration of 2% against fungal strains. The high efficiency of the obtained biocidal results was influenced by the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in the material and their low degree of agglomeration. Furthermore, a slight migration of components to the environment is the basis for further research in the field of the application of the developed materials in industry.

Hydration of Cement in the Presence of Biocidal Modifiers Based on Metal Hydrosilicates

“…Therefore, a promising direction is the development of biocidal composite binders, which make it possible to provide long-term volumetric protection of the material from biocorrosion. In accordance with the data [ 13 , 14 ], the use of substances containing copper and zinc makes it possible to ensure the biocidal properties of cement composites, which helps to solve the problem of material destruction due to biocorrosion [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Thus, hydrosilicates of zinc and copper can be a promising additive for the creation of composite binders, since they allow reducing the consumption of cement in the binder and ensuring the biostability of the resulting cement composites.…”

Bactericidal Properties of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Modified with Commercial Additives Used for Food Protection in the Food Industry

“…Such divergent data on the effectiveness of the use of a selected biocide in the antimicrobial protection of a polymeric material may be caused by bad dispersion in the polymer mass. There are reports on the agglomeration ability of compounds with biocidal activity [61]. The method of processing the polymer material is very important to ensure proper dispersion.…”

Legionella pneumophila—Virulence Factors and the Possibility of Infection in Dental Practice

“…The antimicrobial activity of silver has long been known, and silver is an increasingly frequent target of research to find new antimicrobial agents [125]. When it comes to a significant reduction in the volume of L. pneumophila biofilm, silver nanoparticles have shown outstanding results [126].…”