Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
607993 | Journal of Colloid and Interface Science | 2012 | 6 Pages |
Biomaterials capable of suppressing microbial infection are of clear importance in various health care applications, e.g. implantable devices. In this study, we investigate the antimicrobial activity of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled with the polyelectrolytes poly(L-lysine) (PLL) and poly(L-glutamic acid) (PGA). SWNT dispersion in aqueous solution is achieved through the biocompatible nonionic surfactant polyoxyethylene(20) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), and the amphiphilic polymer phospholipid-poly(ethylene glycol) (PL-PEG). Absorbance spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show SWNT with either Tween 20 or PL-PEG in aqueous solution to be well dispersed, at about the level of SWNT in chloroform. Quartz crystal microgravimetry with dissipation (QCMD) measurements show both SWNT-Tween and SWNT-PL-PEG to LbL assemble with PLL and PGA into multilayer films, with the PL-PEG system yielding the greater final SWNT content. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis inactivation rates are significantly higher (up to 90%) upon 24 h incubation with SWNT containing films, compared to control films (ca. 20%). This study demonstrates the potential usefulness of SWNT/PLL/PGA thin films as antimicrobial biomaterials.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (319 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► First to employ SWNT as the primary antimicrobial agent within an LbL assembled film. ► Improved aqueous dispersibility of SWNT via amphiphilic molecules: Tween & PL-PEG. ► Quantified adsorbed mass of SWNT and polymers in LBL assembly via QCMD. ► Inactivated ∼90% of bacteria (gram positive and negative) upon 24 h of contact.