Fabrication methodologies for antimicrobial polypropylene surfaces with leachable and nonleachable antimicrobial agents

Abstract

Reported herein is the fabrication of antimicrobial polypropylene (PP) surfaces with nonleachable magnesium hydroxide biocides and compares its performance with leachable copper (II) chloride dihydrate. Two methods were used for creating PP‐bearing biocides. One way involves melt‐blending of biocides and PP and subsequent injection molding to create the desired antimicrobial PP surface. Another technique consists of thermal embossing of antimicrobial agents on the PP surface. The biocide‐bearing PP surfaces were evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli) K‐12 MG1655) for up to 24 h. In the case of injection‐molded PP system, leachable CuCl2·2H2O showed a 5.87 ± 0.01 log reduction after 24 h, but only 0.47 ± 0.03 log reduction for PP bearing nonleachable Mg(OH)2. On the contrary, thermally embossed PP with CuCl2·2H2O and Mg(OH)2 showed 2.28 ± 0.03 and 3.78 ± 0.03 log reductions, respectively, after 24 h. The nonleachable Mg(OH)2 imparted antimicrobial properties only to the PP surface prepared via thermal embossing. In contrast, owning to the leachable copper ions, leachable CuCl2·2H2O biocides imparted PP surfaces antimicrobial irrespective of the molding or surface embossing approach. This approach provides an advantage for nonleachable PP‐based antimicrobial surfaces in overcoming the toxicity concern associated with plastics bearing leachable biocides.

On Antimicrobial Polymers: Development, Mechanism of Action, International Testing Procedures, and Applications

“…By examining both leachable agents, which release antimicrobial substances upon contact with microorganisms, and nonleachable agents, which are immobilized within the polymer matrix, the researchers assess the potential for long-term antimicrobial activity and durability. The findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate fabrication methods based on the desired level of antimicrobial efficacy, durability, and compatibility with polypropylene substrates, providing valuable insights for the development of antimicrobial polypropylene surfaces with diverse applications in healthcare, consumer products, and other industries [ 98 ].…”

“…Reprinted with permission from ref. [ 98 ], John Wiley and Sons License No: 5722850541962. Copyright (2023) Wiley Periodicals LLC.…”

Employing Metal-Enriched Polymeric Composites: An Innovative Approach for Combatting Microbes and Bacteria in Building Components in Public Places

“…With the help of nanofiltration and ultrafiltration, many methods, such as spray coating, dip coating, etc., have been employed to develop antimicrobial materials. This study uses injection molding to develop antimicrobial materials for biomedical applications due to its high precision and accuracy, material compatibility, cost-effectiveness, corrosion resistance, improved safety, and hygiene [33][34][35]. Injection molding is an excellent manufacturing process for producing antimicrobial materials for biomedical applications.…”