ANTIMICROBIAL HYBRID NANOLAYERS PREPARED BY SOL-GEL METHOD

One of the most promising type of hybrid nanolayers prepared by sol-gel method are antimicrobial nanolayers based on TMSPM (3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate) containing ionically bonded cations of silver, copper and zinc. Antimicrobial layer with long-term activity may be applied to the surfaces of almost all materials (metals, glass, ceramics, fabrics, plastics except Teflon). Similar type of nanolayers can be potentially used for different applications, such as organic agent immobilization (drugs, enzymes, etc.) and inert or conversely active interlayer. The final antimicrobial nanolayer shows significant antimicrobial (against Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Acinetobacter baumanii, P. aeruginosa and other pathogenic bacterial strains), antiviral (HIV, H1N1, Dengue, HSV1, hepatitis viruses) and antimycotic (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata) activity. The basic function - keeping the microbial purity of the spaces is active in normal fluorescent light as well as in the dark. When treated surfaces are irradiated with UV-A radiation (sunlight, UV-A fluorescent lamp), the antimicrobial activity increases significantly. Elimination of almost all bacteria and viruses on the surface is achieved in a few tens of minutes. The technology is applicable in medical institutions (operating theaters, intensive care units, transplant and neonatal units, offices, waiting rooms, hospices etc.), in the social sphere (schools, cafeterias, senior homes and other types of social institutions) or food (food processing plants, warehouses and stores). The long-term activity is also demonstrated by the preservation of antimicrobial activity on the fabrics after 50 washing cycles. Developed antibacterial surface treatment technology is patented in the Czech Republic as well as abroad.