Nanostructured molybdenum oxide-based antibacterial paint: effective growth inhibition of various pathogenic bacteria

The prevention of bacterial infections in the health care environment is paramount to providing better treatment. Covering a susceptible environment with an antimicrobial coating is a successful way to avoid bacterial growth. Research on the preparation of durable antimicrobial coatings is promising for both fundamental surface care and clinical care applications. Herein, we report a facile, efficient, and scalable preparation of MoO3 paint using a cost-effective ball-milling approach. The MoO3 nanoplates (synthesized by thermal decomposition of ammonium heptamolybdate) are used as a pigment and antibacterial activity moiety in alkyd resin binders and other suitable eco-friendly additives in the preparation of paint. Surface morphology, chemical states, bonding nature, and intermolecular interaction between the MoO3 and the alkyd resin were studied using Raman and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis. The antibacterial properties of a prepared MoO3 nanoplate against various bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) was determined using the microdilution method. Bacterial strains exposed to an MoO3 paint coated surface exhibit a significant loss of viability in a time-dependent manner. Fundamental modes of antibacterial activities ascribed from a biocompatible and durable MoO3 nanostructure incorporated into an alkyd resin complex are discussed. The obtained experimental findings suggest the potential utility of prepared MoO3-based paint coating for the prevention of health care associated infections.