(70i) Mechanically Robust Antibacterial Thin Films Composed of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Biopolymers

Layer by layer (LBL) assembly of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with natural biopolymers resulted in strong antimicrobial coatings and films. Due to favorable intermolecular interactions, it is possible to disperse SWNTs as individuals and very small bundles in aqueous solutions of DNA and lysozyme. Layer by layer assembly of these dispersions is a bottom up assembly process where film thickness can be controlled within approximately 1.58nm. Film growth was characterized using a combination of UV-Vis-NIR absorbance spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, and ellipsometry. Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron and atomic force microscopy confirmed that SWNTs in each layer can be aligned by applying shear during the drying process. Nanoindentation of ~200nm thick coatings showed that they were very robust and had high Young's Modulus. Bacterial cell-lysis studies showed that lysozyme retained its antibacterial properties. Potential applications include many industries that could benefit from strong antimicrobial coatings including the sporting goods, aerospace, healthcare and transportation industries.