Smart Antibacterial Surface Made by Photopolymerization

On the basis of the use of photopolymerization technology, a facile and reliable method for in situ preparation of silver nanopartides (AgNPs) within PNIPAAm functional surfaces is presented as a means to achieve nonfouling, antibacterial films. The surface properties were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), water contact angle, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The antibacterial and release properties of the surfaces were tested against. E. coli at 37 degrees C (above the LCST of PNIPAAm), the functional films facilitated the attachment,of bacteria, which were then killed by the, AgNPs. Changing temperature to 4 degrees C (below the LCST), swollen PNIPAAm chains led the release of dead bacteria. The results showed that AgNPs/PNIPAAm hybrid surfaces offer a smart antibacterial capability in. response to the change of environmental temperature.