Silver-doped laser-induced graphene for potent surface antibacterial activity and anti-biofilm action

Chem Commun (Camb). 2019 Jun 11;55(48):6890-6893. doi: 10.1039/c9cc02415h.

Abstract

Previously, laser-induced graphene (LIG) coated surfaces were shown to resist biofilm growth, although the material was not strongly antibacterial. Here, we show LIG surfaces doped with silver nanoparticles (Ag0 or AgNPs) as highly antibacterial surfaces. Starting from AgNO3 polyethersulfone (PES) polymer substrates, silver nanoparticles between 5-10 nm were generated in situ during the lasing process and stably embedded in the fibrous and porous structure of LIG in a single step. These silver doped LIG (Ag@LIG) surfaces were highly toxic to bacteria via a mechanism of both Ag+ ion release and possible surface toxicity of the AgNPs. The added antibacterial function of Ag-nanoparticles expands the functionality of LIG coated surfaces and might lead to highly effective point of use/entry devices in rural areas or in disaster situations with contaminated water sources.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Biofilms / drug effects*
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible / chemistry*
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Lasers
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects
  • Silver / chemistry*
  • Sulfones / chemistry
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • Polymers
  • Sulfones
  • polyether sulfone
  • Silver
  • Graphite