Antibacterial composite using non-toxic nanomaterial
Researchers have successfully developed an antibacterial and antibiofilm composite using non-toxic and hydrophobic nanomaterial, graphene nanoplatelets, via facile two step methodology including functionalisation and subsequent hydrothermal treatment.
The as-prepared composites were characterised using FE-SEM, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy to obtain morphological, compositional and structural details. In addition, the antibacterial efficiency of these composites was investigated against antibiotic resistant S. aureus and E. coli. Afterwards, graphene composite based epoxy coatings were prepared on glass substrate and tested for their antibiofilm efficiency against methicillin resistant S. aureus strain.
Remarkable antibacterial efficiency
The abundant presence of hydroxyl groups over the surface due to tannic acid, hydrophobicity of graphene and epoxy and remarkable antibacterial efficiency of tannic acid (TA), silver (Ag) and graphene synergistically enhance the antibiofilm efficiency of such coatings. According to the reseacrhers, this work presents a new strategy to develop a multifunctional coating and subsequently lessen the risk of biofilm assisted infections.
The study has been published in Progress in Organic Coatings, Volume 159, October 2021.