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Updated: Dec 24, 2025
Preparation of Silicon Nanowire Field-effect Transistor for Chemical and Biosensing Applications
Published on: April 21, 2016
Bacterial viability on chemically modified silicon nanowire arrays
A Susarrey-Arce1, I Sorzabal-Bellido, A Oknianska
1Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces at the Surface Science Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Oxford Street, L69 3BX, Liverpool, UK. r.raval@liverpool.ac.uk yuridiaz@liverpool.ac.uk a.susarrey-arce@liverpool.ac.uk.
Novel nanotopographic surfaces functionalized with silicon nanowires and chlorhexidine effectively reduce bacterial contamination. These antimicrobial surfaces show distinct microbial growth modes for E. coli and S. aureus, crucial for infection control.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global health threat, necessitating innovative solutions.
- Functional surfaces are critical for preventing infection spread and minimizing surface contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize multiscale-functional nanotopographies for antimicrobial applications.
- To evaluate the efficacy of these surfaces against model microorganisms.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays with covalent chemical modification using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane.
- Incorporation of chlorhexidine digluconate into the functionalized SiNW surfaces.
- Assessment of microbial viability and growth modes (E. coli, S. aureus) using SEM and cell viability assays.
Main Results:
- Identified distinct microbial growth modes: in-plane for E. coli and out-of-plane for S. aureus.
- Demonstrated significant reduction in both planktonic and surface-attached microorganisms.
- Confirmed the antimicrobial efficacy of the chemically modified SiNW arrays.
Conclusions:
- Multiscale-functionalized nanotopographies offer a promising strategy for combating antimicrobial resistance.
- These engineered surfaces effectively inhibit bacterial growth and adhesion, contributing to infection control.
- Understanding microbial growth modes on nanotopographies can inform future surface design for enhanced antimicrobial activity.
