KrF Laser and Plasma Exposure of PDMS–Carbon Composite and Its Antibacterial Properties

Abstract

A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite with multi-walled carbon nanotubes was successfully prepared. Composite foils were treated with both plasma and excimer laser, and changes in their physicochemical properties were determined in detail. Mainly changes in surface chemistry, wettability, and morphology were determined. The plasma treatment of PDMS complemented with subsequent heating led to the formation of a unique wrinkle-like pattern. The impact of different laser treatment conditions on the composite surface was determined. The morphology was determined by AFM and LCM techniques, while chemical changes and chemical surface mapping were studied with the EDS/EDX method. Selected activated polymer composites were used for the evaluation of antibacterial activity using Gram-positive (Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The antibacterial effect was achieved against S. epidermidis on pristine PDMS treated with 500 mJ of laser energy and PDMS-C nanocomposite treated with a lower laser fluence of 250 mJ. Silver deposition of PDMS foil increases significantly its antibacterial properties against E. coli, which is further enhanced by the carbon predeposition or high-energy laser treatment.

Fabrication of Biodegradable and Biocompatible Functional Polymers for Anti-Infection and Augmenting Wound Repair

“…Wang et al [ 30 ] prepared Zn-liganded polydopamine coatings that have surface microstructures and are superhydrophilic. Fajstavr et al [ 31 ] used a high-energy excimer laser to treat the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface and obtained ripple-like surface nanopatterns. The nanopattern had a significant bactericidal effect.…”

Surface activation of Hastalex by vacuum argon plasma for cytocompatibility enhancement

“…Previously, we have reported some excellent properties of polymer-carbon composite materials, in which the carbon material has been incorporated into the bulk polymer matrix [ [51] , [52] , [53] ], grafted onto the polymer surface [ 54 , 55 ], or the carbon layers have been deposited onto the polymer surface and subsequently treated [ 56 , 57 ], which led in all cases in cytocompatibility enhancement and change in cell growth and proliferation as well as cell directionality. In this study, we have focused on a new carbon-polymer composite, which has been studied only for the last two years, and its surface properties induced by several potential surface treatments are still to be discovered.…”

Preparation of (C/Ag) Nanocomposites Induced by High Excimer Laser

“…Currently, perhaps the most common use of carbon nanocomposites is related to the adjustment of electrical conductivity. Silicones (especially PDMS) are biocompatible and, together with non-toxic carbon to different cells (carbon dots), form an ideal combination for various bodily applications [4,5]. Another interesting group of materials is hybrid materials created by coupling/layering different materials, such as carbon (carbon layers, graphene layers) and noble metal.…”