Antimicrobial adhesive films by plasma-enabled polymerisation of m-cresol

Abstract

This work reveals a versatile new method to produce films with antimicrobial properties that can also bond materials together with robust tensile adhesive strength. Specifically, we demonstrate the formation of coatings by using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma to convert a liquid small-molecule precursor, m-cresol, to a solid film via plasma-assisted on-surface polymerisation. The films are quite appealing from a sustainability perspective: they are produced using a low-energy process and from a molecule produced in abundance as a by-product of coal tar processing. This process consumes only 1.5 Wh of electricity to create a 1 cm2 film, which is much lower than other methods commonly used for film deposition, such as chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Plasma treatments were performed in plain air without the need for any carrier or precursor gas, with a variety of exposure durations. By varying the plasma parameters, it is possible to modify both the adhesive property of the film, which is at a maximum at a 1 min plasma exposure, and the antimicrobial property of the film against Escherichia coli, which is at a maximum at a 30 s exposure.

Superhydrophobic Graphene-Like Nanocarbon Film Formation on Arbitrary Surfaces through MgO Nanoparticle Catalysis: Advanced Coatings for Energy Storage and Nanocomposites

“…Optical microscopy of the films revealed that the morphology was dependent upon the plasma dose (power × time; Figure S6) and the precursor (Figure S9) or type of substrate (Figure S10). Thin-film optical interference effects are seen in the films, similar to those seen in other thin films that we created on silicon substrates using plasma …”

“…Thin-film optical interference effects are seen in the films, similar to those seen in other thin films that we created on silicon substrates using plasma. 36 SEM imaging of the films created from the four isostructural molecules revealed nanostructured films with diverse morphologies (Figure 2). While the DCFB film appeared to have cobweb/snowflake structures, the other films had a flakelike morphology.…”

Plasma-enabled superhydrophobic coatings on mild steel

“…As in our previous research 4,47,48,54 , plasma treatments were performed using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) apparatus at room temperature (see Fig. A.1).…”

“…In the present work, we investigate the effect of adding graphene nanoplatelets (GrNp, 99 wt%, < 4 layers, 1-2 μm lateral dimensions, Cheap Tubes, USA) to the TCB. 8 μL of TCB or 8 μL of the TCB + GrNp suspension was then deposited on each stationary 10 mm × 10 mm mild steel substrate (see Table A Following the process from our previous research 4,47,48,54 , each sample was treated with plasma immediately after precursor deposition. For each sample, we used the same peak-peak generator output voltage of ~ 30 kV, as measured by a Rigol DS6104 digital oscilloscope (see Fig.…”

Synthesis, and characterization of metallic glassy Cu–Zr–Ni powders decorated with big cube Zr2Ni nanoparticles for potential antibiofilm coating applications

“…The widespread bacterial resistance to antibiotic treatments because of biofilm formation led to the need to develop an effective antibiofilm coated surfaces that can be safe to apply 27 . Developing an anti-adhesive surface, both physically or chemically, that inhibit bacteria cells from bond to it and building biofilms as a consequence of the adhesion is the first approach in the process 27 . Developing coatings that enable antimicrobial chemicals to be given in highly concentrated and tailored amounts precisely where they are needed is the second technique.…”