Silver doped perfluoropolyether-urethane coatings: antibacterial activity and surface analysis

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Pathogenic microorganism colonization of surfaces necessitates advanced antibacterial and antifouling coatings.
• Metallic silver coatings on biomedical surfaces can be compromised by physiological fluids, reducing efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a room temperature processed silver-doped perfluoropolyether-urethane coating for biofilm inhibition.
• To assess the antibacterial efficacy of the coating against a range of clinically relevant microorganisms.

Main Methods:

• Coating preparation: Room temperature processing of silver-doped perfluoropolyether-urethane.
• Biofilm inhibition assessment: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe bacterial encrustation over six days.
• Surface analysis: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine surface composition changes.

Main Results:

• Silver ion release from the fluoropolymer coating inhibited Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation over six days.
• XPS analysis revealed distinct surface composition differences between doped and undoped coatings after media exposure.
• The silver-doped coatings demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against MRSA, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and A. baumannii.

Conclusions:

• Silver-doped perfluoropolyether coatings offer effective biofilm inhibition and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.
• These coatings show potential for preventing pathogen transmission on environmental and biomaterial surfaces in healthcare settings.
• The coatings may help combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae.