Current research aims to develop antibacterial surfaces that successfully prevents bacterial colonization. Integration of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) into polymeric substrates has produced antibacterial nanocomposites that exhibit improved disinfectant properties. The mechanism of cell death due to colloidal MNPs is attributed to the disruption of cell respiration and replication processes as a result of metal ions produced from bacteria-MNP oxidation reactions. Mechanisms of cell death attributed to the incorporation of MNPs into polymeric substrates are still unknown. To further investigate the mechanism of cell death on MNP-functionalized nanocomposites, this research utilizes epi-fluorescent optical trapping to investigate the antibacterial properties of colloidal MNPs deposited into biomimetic materials. Au, Ag and Cu nanoparticles as well as core-shell MNPs were deposited into cellulose matrices to produce cellulose nanocomposites (CNCs). The CNCs were tested for their ability to inhibit bacterial colonization using an epi-fluorescent optical tweezer. More specifically, the epi-fluorescent optical tweezer was used to non-covalently dock a single bacterial cell to the nanocomposite surface while monitoring the viability of the cell <i>in situ</i>. Additionally, the CNCs were tested for their ability to resist biofilm formation by using a broth culture exposure method. Initial results show that Ag-functionalized CNC show the highest level of antibacterial efficiency when compared to the Au and Cu counterparts. The antibacterial activity of the nanocomposite was directly correlated to the surface functionalization of the incorporated nanoparticles.<br/>

Characterization of the antibacterial efficiency of metal nanoparticle-infused composite materials using epi-fluorescent optical trapping

256th National Meeting (2018)

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