Shrink-Induced Superhydrophobic and Antibacterial Surfaces in Consumer Plastics

Abstract

Structurally modified superhydrophobic surfaces have become particularly desirable as stable antibacterial surfaces. Because their self-cleaning and water resistant properties prohibit bacteria growth, structurally modified superhydrophobic surfaces obviate bacterial resistance common with chemical agents, and therefore a robust and stable means to prevent bacteria growth is possible. In this study, we present a rapid fabrication method for creating such superhydrophobic surfaces in consumer hard plastic materials with resulting antibacterial effects. To replace complex fabrication materials and techniques, the initial mold is made with commodity shrink-wrap film and is compatible with large plastic roll-to-roll manufacturing and scale-up techniques. This method involves a purely structural modification free of chemical additives leading to its inherent consistency over time and successive recasting from the same molds. Finally, antibacterial properties are demonstrated in polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), and polyethylene (PE) by demonstrating the prevention of gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria growth on our structured plastic surfaces.

Nanopatterned polymer surfaces with bactericidal properties

“…Electronic mail: afyee@uci.edu decreased bacterial adhesion on superhydrophobic hard plastics with roughened surfaces that have multiscale features transferred from heat-shrunken polyolefin film. 19 Along those lines, researchers found that nanorough titanium surfaces produced by electron beam evaporation decreased bacterial adhesion in comparison to unmodified, nanotubular, and nanotextured titanium surfaces. 20 In addition, nanophase ceramic surfaces (zinc oxide and titania) decreased bacterial adhesion more than microphase surfaces.…”

Cicada Wing Surface Topography: An Investigation into the Bactericidal Properties of Nanostructural Features

“…cells in general do not adhere to these surfaces. [22][23][24][25][26] This is a result of reduced protein adsorption required for initial cell adhesion. 27 Hydrophobic surfaces (with a 90 o >WCA<150 o ) are not generally antibiofouling and the level of bacterial adhesion to these surfaces depends greatly on other factors e.g.…”

Design of Nanostructured Functional Coatings by Using Wet-Chemistry Methods

“…Topographical modification of the resultant surfaces with nano-and microstructures has emerged as a potential tool for the fabrication of functionalized surfaces with antibacterial properties [100]. Some of the technologies usually applied for fabrication of antibacterial surfaces via surface micro-and nanostructuring are chemical etching (Black Silicon), physical vapor deposition (PVD), plasma irradiation, hydrothermal treatments, photolithography, electron-beam lithography and ablation by ultrashort pulsed lasers [101][102][103][104][105][106][107]. In Table 4, the advantages and disadvantages of these micro and nano-patterning technologies are shown.…”