Enhancing Surface Hygiene in Healthcare with GNP@PEGDA Composites for Antibacterial and Photothermal Applications

The state of hygiene of healthcare materials and facilities is critical for the safety of both patients and healthcare workers. Addressing the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria underscores the need to develop new antibacterial treatment methods. Photothermal technology offers a novel and promising approach by utilizing visible light or ultraviolet irradiation for healthcare facilities and equipment, whereby thermal effects or photothermal reactions are generated to eliminate surface bacteria. This method not only achieves efficient sterilization but also reduces reliance on chemical disinfectants, thereby minimizing environmental burdens. Poly-(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), a polymer commonly used in stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing, lacks the ability to absorb infrared radiation and induce photothermal reactions. To overcome this limitation, graphene nanoplates (GNPs), which exhibit excellent infrared absorption properties, were blended with PEGDA to create a composite material capable of infrared radiation absorption. Using SLA, a 3D printing technology, porous structures were fabricated to enhance the heat absorption efficiency, thus reducing material consumption. The resulting material, GNP@PEGDA, demonstrated promising photothermal performance and improved sterilization efficiency. This research highlights the potential of combining surface antibacterial and photothermal technologies to improve the hygiene of healthcare materials and facilities. The findings provide a promising pathway for developing innovative solutions to combat drug-resistant bacteria and enhance sterilization methods.