Antimicrobial Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Nexar® Polymer Films

Bio-fouling on membranes, as well as in other applications including piping, container and transportation systems, continues to be a challenging problem faced by scientists and engineers. Industries face great costs trying to repair and maintain biofouled equipment, including membranes for water filtration and polymeric films used for coating applications in devices such as heat exchangers, piping systems and chemical reactors. To develop a method of controlling and potentially eliminating the possibility of bio-fouling would allow both economical and engineering relief for a wide range of industries.  The process of embedding metal oxide nanoparticles in a polymer film matrix has demonstrated promising antimicrobial activity and may be used as an efficient and cost-effective method of protection against fouling and corrosion. This research focuses on developing a method of creating antimicrobial Nexar® polymer films using ZnO nanoparticles as the main antimicrobial agent. As a comparison material, TiO₂ nanoparticles will also be evaluated.

 The focus of this poster presentation will be on the initial materials synthesis and development of nanoparticle-Nexar composite films.  Nanoparticles will be tested at a concentration range of 1 – 20 g/L, where the nanoparticles are added into Nexar-solvent solutions before the films are cast.  The Nexar polymer will be cast from two different solvents to evaluate the effect of polymer-solvent interactions on nanoparticle-polymer film formation.  To test the cast films for antimicrobial activity, we will measure and report the growth of E. Coli for a 24-hr period.  We will present on our results thus far regarding ZnO-Nexar and TiO₂-Nexar films. Results will include casting setup and procedure, initial film characterization, and initial bacterial testing with the cast films.