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Modified Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles with a Dual Synergetic Antibacterial Effect
Marios Michailidis1, Ioritz Sorzabal-Bellido2, Evanthia A Adamidou3
1Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool , Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) modified with quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) and loaded with biocide Parmetol S15 were developed for dual antifouling and antibacterial coatings. These functionalized MSNs demonstrated significant efficacy against bacteria and marine fouling in real-world conditions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) offer potential as antifouling/antibacterial carriers, but achieving a dual synergistic effect remains a challenge.
- MCM-48, a type of MSN, was chosen for its favorable structural properties (cubic pore structure, high surface area, and pore volume).
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize MSNs modified with quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) and loaded with the biocide Parmetol S15.
- To evaluate the dual synergistic antibacterial and antifouling performance of these functionalized MSNs in coatings.
Main Methods:
- MCM-48 nanoparticles were surface-modified with two specific QASs via strong covalent bonds.
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, and ζ-potential measurements confirmed surface functionalization.
- Antibacterial activity was tested against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and antifouling performance was assessed in a Red Sea field trial.
Main Results:
- QAS-modified MCM-48 nanoparticles, both loaded and unloaded with Parmetol S15, exhibited significant antibacterial activity.
- The Parmetol S15-loaded QAS-modified MCM-48 achieved 100% bacterial reduction within 3 hours.
- Unloaded QAS-modified MCM-48 showed 77-94% bacterial reduction.
- Coating formulations containing the modified MCM-48 demonstrated significant antifouling properties after 5 months of exposure in seawater.
Conclusions:
- The developed QAS-modified MCM-48 nanoparticles loaded with Parmetol S15 provide a dual synergistic antibacterial and antifouling effect.
- These functionalized nanoparticles represent a promising solution for developing advanced antifouling/antibacterial coatings.
