Antibacterial Effects of a Carbon Nitride (CN) Layer Formed on Non-Woven Polypropylene Fabrics Using the Modified DC-Pulsed Sputtering Method

Abstract

In the present study, the surface of non-woven polypropylene (NW-PP) fabric was modified to form CN layers using a modified DC-pulsed (frequency: 60 kHz, pulse shape: square) sputtering with a roll-to-roll system. After plasma modification, structural damage in the NW-PP fabric was not observed, and the C–C/C–H bonds on the surface of the NW-PP fabric converted into C–C/C–H, C–N(CN), and C=O bonds. The CN-formed NW-PP fabrics showed strong hydrophobicity for H2O (polar liquid) and full-wetting characteristics for CH2I2 (non-polar liquid). In addition, the CN-formed NW-PP exhibited an enhanced antibacterial characteristic compared to NW-PP fabric. The reduction rate of the CN-formed NW-PP fabric was 89.0% and 91.6% for Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538, Gram-positive) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC4352, Gram-negative), respectively. It was confirmed that the CN layer showed antibacterial characteristics against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The reason for the antibacterial effect of CN-formed NW-PP fabrics can be explained as the strong hydrophobicity due to the CH3 bond of the fabric, enhanced wetting property due to CN bonds, and antibacterial activity due to C=O bonds. Our study presents a one-step, damage-free, mass-productive, and eco-friendly method that can be applied to most weak substrates, allowing the mass production of antibacterial fabrics.

Nonthermal Plasma-Stimulated C–N Coupling from CH4 and N2 Depends on the Presence of Surface CHx and Plasma-Phase CN Species

“…These peaks were designated as N–1 (∼399.8 eV), N–2 (∼398.9 eV), N–3 (∼398.0 eV), and N–4 (∼397.0 eV), and each peak was attributed to specific chemical configurations, specifically CN, , CN, − C–N, − and aromatic C–N. − Similarly, the C 1s region was fitted to have either three (simultaneous exposure) or four (sequential exposure) peaks. These peaks were assigned as C–1 (∼285.9 eV), C–2 (∼285.1 eV), C–3 (∼284.6 eV), and C–4 (∼283.4 eV) for CN, CN/C–N, CC, , and aromatic C–C . Broader XPS features with CH 4 –N 2 sequential exposure compared to the simultaneous exposure remains consistent across all of the metal surfaces (shown in Figures S11 – S14).…”

“…C�N,45 −47 C− N,46−48 and aromatic C−N.49 −51 Similarly, the C 1s region was fitted to have either three (simultaneous exposure) or four (sequential exposure) peaks. These peaks were assigned as C− 1 (∼285.9 eV), C−2 (∼285.1 eV), C−3 (∼284.6 eV), and C− 4 (∼283.4 eV) for C�N, 52 C�N/C−N,53 C�C,17,54 and aromatic C−C 55. Broader XPS features with CH 4 −N 2 sequential exposure compared to the simultaneous exposure remains consistent across all of the metal surfaces (shown in Figures S11 − S14).…”

The Influence of Physical Characteristics of Wet Wipe Fabrics on the Microbial Biomass Accumulation

“…Multiple studies have shown that the physicochemical properties of fabrics and surfaces have a pronounced effect on microbial adhesion and proliferation, until reaching irreversible attachment and biofilm formation [7,8]. Surface charge and hydrophobicity level were shown to have an influence on microbial adhesion, with superhydrophobic (water contact angle >150°) having significantly reduced microbial adhesion [9][10][11][12][13]. Hemmatian et al examined the adhesion tendency of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus on polystyrene and poly lactic acid, both as films and fibers substrates, with modification of wettability by the plasma process using either O2 or C4F8 gas [10].…”

Benzothiazole Derivatives of Chitosan and Their Derived Nanoparticles: Synthesis and In Vitro and In Vivo Antibacterial Effects

“…Polymer chemistry often comes to the rescue in this matter [ 12 ]. Among polymers (including natural ones), several interesting systems with antibacterial activity have been described [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”