Nanosize and Shape Effects on Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Using Morphology-Controlled Nanopatterns by Block Copolymer Fabrication

The activity of silver nanomaterials as an antimicrobial is well known with authors noting strong size and shape effects. This paper explores if the antimicrobial activity relates to unique size related properties of the nanodimensioned materials or a more physical effect. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were explored as test bacteria. They can cause serious human infections and are becoming resistant to pharmaceutical antimicrobials. Silver nanopatterns on a substrate surface were used as the antimicrobial agent. We demonstrate a cost-effective facile route to fabricate well-ordered, periodic and dimension-controlled silver lines and dots pattern on a substrate surface. This allowed precise definition of the silver materials to explore size and shape effects. Polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PS-b-PEO) block copolymer (BCP) microphase separated thin films were used as structural templates. Well-ordered PS-b-PEO thin film with vertical and parallel oriented PEO cylinders were achieved b...