Synthesis and Investigation of Antibacterial Activity of Thin Films Based on TiO(2)-Ag and SiO(2)-Ag with Potential Applications in Medical Environment

Multiple antibiotic resistance has now become a major obstacle to the treatment of infectious diseases. In this context, the application of nanotechnology in medicine is a promising alternative for the prevention of infections with multidrug-resistant germs. The use of silver as a powerful antibacterial agent has attracted much interest. TiO(2) and SiO(2) thin films enhanced with Ag particles have been developed with the aim of maintaining the transparency of the polymer films. Antibacterial activity was evaluated for a Gram-negative species-Escherichia coli-in concentrations of 10(5) and 10(4) CFU/mL in different conditions-activation by UV irradiation, single layer and double layer. Increased antibacterial efficacy of TiO(2)-deposited foil was found for the tests that had been exposed to UV activation. In the case of bilayer tests, the efficiency was higher compared to those in a single layer, as the contact surface between the films and the bacterial suspension increased. Films can be used as a potential method to limit bacterial growth on hospital surfaces, such as telephone screens and medical equipment, given their optimized characteristics and proven antibacterial efficacy.