Stainless steel and polyethylene surfaces functionalized with silver nanoparticles

The antimicrobial effects of a stainless steel surface and a polyethylene surface functionalized with silver nanoparticles on the adhesion of different bacteria and the changes in physical and chemical characteristics of these surfaces that influence biofilm formation were evaluated. The functionalized surfaces of polyethylene and stainless steel were more hydrophobic than the control ones. The bacterial surfaces were hydrophilic. The adhesion of all bacteria was thermodynamically favorable (ΔG_adhesion<0) on all surfaces functionalized and control. The numbers of adhered cells of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas fluorescens were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the control and functionalized surfaces, reaching values compatible with biofilm formation. Analysis of atomic absorption spectrometry using water and reconstituted skim milk as simulants showed no release of Ag from the functionalized surfaces. In conclusion, the surfaces that were functionalized with silver nanoparticles were modified in hydrophobicity, roughness, and did not avoid bacterial adhesion. Additional studies of surfaces functionalized with silver nanoparticles should be conducted addressing the adsorption technique of silver nanoparticles on the stainless steel surface as well as in the preparation of the polyethylene surface to allow the contact of microorganism with the antimicrobial agent.