Plasma polymerized allyl alcohol/O2 thin films embedded with silver nanoparticles

The simple production of a new type of anti-bacterial polymer coating with embedded silver nano particles is described. This biologically active polymer layer was deposited using the plasma polymerization of allyl alcohol. Then, these plasma polymer layers were impregnated with silver ions by dipping into a solution of silver nitrate. Subsequently, Ag+ was reduced by the polymer itself and more completely by dipping into a solution of sodium boron hydride. Addition of O-2 gas to the allyl alcohol monomer was used to increase the concentration of O functional groups in the layer and to improve the fixation of homogeneously distributed silver nano-particles. The thus produced films have been reduced growth of gram -negative Escherichia coli by >99%. The morphology of prepared films was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. Chemical compositions in the whole layer and on the surface of films were investigated using Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.