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Antibacterial Thin Films Deposited from Propane-Butane Mixture in Atmospheric Pressure Discharge
Pavel Sťahel1, Věra Mazánková2, Daniela Podzemná3
1Department of Physical Electronics, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|January 21, 2023
Summary
New antibacterial coatings for medical instruments were developed using plasma polymerization. These thin films effectively inhibit bacterial growth and are biocompatible, offering enhanced safety for medical devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Bacterial colonization on biomedical instruments poses a significant risk of infection.
- Development of effective antibacterial coatings is crucial for improving patient safety and device longevity.
- Existing coatings may face challenges with durability, biocompatibility, or broad-spectrum efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel antibacterial polymeric thin coatings.
- To evaluate the antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility of these coatings.
- To explore the potential of atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization for creating advanced biomedical coatings.
Main Methods:
- Polymeric thin coatings were deposited on Teflon substrates via atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization using a propane-butane mixture.
- Surface dielectric barrier discharge in nitrogen was employed for plasma generation.
- Film composition was analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
- Surface morphology and properties were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface energy measurements (water contact angle).
Main Results:
- EDX analysis confirmed the presence of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in the films.
- FTIR spectroscopy identified functional groups including alkyl, nitrile, acetylene, imide, and amine.
- The deposited films exhibited hydrophilicity, with water contact angles between 13-23°.
- The coatings demonstrated high antibacterial activity against both *Staphylococcus aureus* (S. aureus) and *Escherichia coli* (E. coli).
- Cytocompatibility tests showed over 80% cell viability compared to polystyrene controls.
Conclusions:
- Atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization is a viable method for creating antibacterial polymeric coatings.
- The developed coatings exhibit a promising combination of broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy and good cytocompatibility.
- These findings suggest potential applications for these coatings in preventing infections associated with biomedical instruments.
