Synthesis of silver-zeolite films on micropatterned porous alumina and its application as an antimicrobial substrate

In this study, we focus on synthesis of patterned-zeolite films and the potential application of a silver-derived form of this film as a biocidal agent. The synthetic strategy has been to develop a patterned porous alumina substrate using soft lithographic methods. These patterns have dimensions in the range of 5–100 μ. Previously patterned PDMS and PMMA molds were used to define surface microfeatures on the alumina supports. Zeolite films (2–3 μ) were then grown on the alumina using a seeding process followed by secondary growth. Electron microscopy showed that the zeolite film followed the pattern of the alumina substrate. Silver nanoparticles were grown on the surface of the zeolite film by reduction of the Ag+ – exchanged zeolite with aqueous hydrazine. The antimicrobial properties of the patterned-zeolite films were successfully demonstrated using Escherichia coli bacteria as the model system, complete bacteria eradication was noted within 120 min. Such patterned-zeolite films can be incorporated into a variety of systems, including fabrics, biomaterials, filters and thus can serve a wide range of uses.