antibacterial activity of hydrophobic tan-ag nanocomposite thin film

This study investigates the antibacterial activity of tan-ag nanocomposite thin film as well as hydrophobic properties. tan-ag nanocomposite thin film was deposited on cleaned 316 stainless steel, which is suggested for surgical tools. the samples were synthesized using dc co-sputtering technique. after deposition, the heat treatment was done at 350 c at different times. the crystalline structure, topography, and morphology of the thin films were characterized by x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. also, self-cleaning characteristics and hydrophilic properties were studied using contact angle tests. after four months, antibacterial test was performed using e.coli bacteria. the number of colonies was decreased up to 50%, after 6 hours without using uv irradiation during the incubating time. the results showed that the average size of nanoparticles was less than 50 nm and the self-cleaning properties of the tan-ag nanocomposite thin films were improved by surface roughness; so, the bacterial adhesion was reduced.