Surface antibacterial characteristics of plasma-modified polyethylene.
The antibacterial characteristics of triclosan- or bronopol-coated and plasma-modified polyethylene (PE) are investigated. The modified PE samples exhibit excellent bactericidal effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus even when the bacteria concentration in the suspension is 10(6) colony forming units (CFU)/mL. However, when the concentration exceeds 10(8) CFU/mL, the materials fail to develop noticeable resistance to large amount of bacteria because of the formation of a bacterial biofilm on their surfaces. The PE treated by this relatively simple technique possesses excellent antimicrobial properties and is useful in biomedical and disinfection applications because the bacteria concentrations in most situations are well below 10(6) CFU/mL.
Zhang
Wei
W
Department of Physics & Materials Science,City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Chu
Paul K
PK
Ji
Junhui
J
Zhang
Yihe
Y
Ng
Shuk Ching
SC
Yan
Qing
Q
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D018441:Biofilms; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D020959:Polyethylene / Q000737:chemistry*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D013499:Surface Properties
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020959:Polyethylene