Page 447 - Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

404 Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

Fig. 14.7 Bacterial reduction assay (A) AgNP-treated agar plate bacterial colony was not
observed (B). Control bacterial growth was observed after 24 h incubation (AgNP-untreated
plate).

14.3.7 Bacterial reduction count by antifouling sample

The colony forming unit (CFU/mL) method is used to assess the bacterial reduction
efficiency of antifouling nanocomposites. The AgNPs-treated spread-plate bacterial
count was significantly lower than that of the control plate. The control plate contains
nearly 50 colonies. Fig. 14.7 represents the comparative analysis of bacterial reduction
in nano treated and untreated plates. The bacterial cell membrane was damaged with
the increased concentrations of AgNPs. The DNA containing phosphorus and sulfur
+
compounds are high affinity to Ag ions. The biomolecule containing dSH groups
strongly interact with silver ions and inactivate the bacterial action [20]; the bacterial
reduction results indicate the potential biocidal activities of AgNPs.

14.4 Conclusion

The antifouling efficacy of silver nanocomposites was analyzed by spectroscopic
method and microscopic analysis. The cellulose matrix acts as a template for prepa-
ration of silver impended composites. The biofilm formed bacterial growth reduction
on the silver-coated composites was observed by silver nanoparticle-treated plate. The
biofilm formation was gradually decreased by increasing concentrations of AgNPs in
the cellulose matrix. From the conclusion of these preliminary studies, silver-
nanocoated materials are suitable for reducing the biofilm formation, and further, it
will be applicable for use as an anticorrosive agents.
References

[1] Yeea MS-L, Khiewa P-S, Chiub WS, Tanc YF, Kokd Y-Y, Leong C-O. Green synthesis of
graphene-silver nanocomposites and its application as a potent marine antifouling agent.
Colloids Surf B: Biointerfaces 2016;148:392–401.
[2] Scopel M, Abraham W-R, Henriques AT, Macedo AJ. Dipeptide cis-cyclo (leucyl-tyrosyl)
produced by sponge-associated Penicillium sp. F37 inhibits biofilm formation of the path-
ogenic Staphylococcus epidermidis. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013;23:624–6.