Material propertiesSurface properties and antibacterial testing of a partially alicyclic polyimide film modified by RF plasma and NaOH/AgNO3 treatment

A polyimide containing alicyclic sequences was synthesized by a two steps solution polycondensation reaction and further processed into the film form for antibacterial purposes. The sample surface was activated by RF plasma treatment to ensure the biocide attachment by immersion in by NaOH/AgNO3 solution. Surface properties of the synthesized polyimide film were analyzed by FTIR, contact angle and atomic force microscopy measurements, before and after the treatments with plasma and silver-based biocide. Antibacterial tests revealed that the pristine sample inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and this behavior is more pronounced after the biocide surface treatment. The differences in the biocidal activity were discussed in terms of sample and bacteria hydrophobic/hydrophilic interactions.