PEGDMA-Based Pillar-Shape Nanostructured Antibacterial Films Having Mechanical Robustness

Abstract

Antibacterial surfaces are one of the most important surfaces in the medical and marine industries. Many researchers are studying antibacterial surfaces to kill bacteria or prevent adhesions. Various materials and structures are applied to the surface to inhibit the adhesion of bacteria or kill the adhered bacteria. Nowadays, a dual strategy is preferred rather than a single strategy. In this study, nanopillar structures were fabricated using polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDMA), which has an antifouling effect. Afterward, the fabricated nanostructured PEGDMA was assessed to confirm the intrinsic antibacterial effect and mechanically induced antibacterial functions. The adhesion of Gram-negative and Grampositive bacteria can be effectively reduced by the PEG hydration layer formation, steric repulsion, and flexible chain, and the nanostructure can damage the bacterial membrane. In addition, we performed antibacterial experiments on a nanopillar-structured surface made of PEGDMA. Furthermore, we revealed that the mechanical robustness of the nanopillared surface was superior to that of the nanocone-structured surface using computational analysis. Nanopillar structures fabricated using PEGDMA are promising candidates for antifouling and antibacterial surfaces and can be applied in various industries.

Fabrication of Nanostructured Polycaprolactone (PCL) Film Using a Thermal Imprinting Technique and Assessment of Antibacterial Function for Its Application

“…In the case of the mechano-bactericidal method, only the characteristics of the material are used to damage the bacteria membrane attached by the nanostructure [35]. In addition, nanopillars have higher mechanical strength than our previously reported nanocone shapes, and the antibacterial efficiency of nanopillars has also been verified [36][37][38][39]. Therefore, nanopillars were fabricated through a thermal imprinting method based on FDA-approved PCL.…”

Design and Development of Robust, Daylight-Activated, and Rechargeable Biocidal Polymeric Films as Promising Active Food Packaging Materials

“…Increased foodborne microbial illness has raised global concerns because it causes millions of deaths every year and continues to severely jeopardize public health worldwide. − Consequently, this has motivated massive scientific research and investment in the design and development of novel and versatile antimicrobial materials to overcome microbial invasions and for preventing pathogenic infections. − Controlling bacterial infections is critical not only for preventing global outbreaks but also for applications ranging from health care to improving daily life quality. , Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in consumer interest in high-quality and safe food products. , Different strategies have been applied to develop new polymeric materials by incorporating antimicrobial agents to minimize the proliferation of microbes observed on various food packages. , Blending of polymers with conventional antibacterial agents has gained wide attention and has been applied to inhibit microbial growth in food products. , Data from previous studies clearly show that polymers can be functionalized with N-halamine precursors and related compounds, which could be a useful tool for the decontamination of food pathogens such as Listeria, yeasts, molds, and mesophiles found on solid surfaces. − However, the leaching of conventional agents and the release of free chlorine from the materials pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. , Lately, photodynamic inactivation, a relatively novel technology, has emerged as a potential option for preventing microbial inhibition and preserving food quality and shelf-life . Nowadays, photoactive compounds have garnered considerable interest in the development of food packaging films because of their capability to produce oxidative biocide-reactive oxygen species (ROS) in many polymeric materials, durability for repeated uses, and lower-toxicity suitable for food contacts .…”