Preparation of antimicrobial polycaprolactone-silica composite films with nanosilver rods and triclosan using roll-milling method

Abstract

In this study, antimicrobial polycaprolactone composite films containing 12.5% silica and 0.15% silver nanorods were prepared using the roll-milling method. The destruction of E. coli and S. aureus on the surface of the composite films was evaluated after 6 hr of incubation at 37 degrees C. For the E. coli, no bacterial contamination was detected after 6 hr and the film surface was completely disinfected with 100% reduction of the microbial contamination. For the S. aureus, 94% reduction of the bacterial contamination was observed after 6 hr. The results were compared with the composite films containing triclosan, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial activity tests with 0.25% triclosan incorporated polycaprolactone-silica composite films showed only 70% reduction of E. coli and 95% reduction of S. aureus after 6 hr. The results demonstrated that the use of silver nanoparticles in the biopolymer industry has huge potential for the self-cleaning applications. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.