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Tonis E, Frousiou E, Heliopoulos NS, Kagkoura A, Stangel C, Siamidis D, Galeou A, Prombona A, Stamatakis K, Boukos N, Tagmatarchis N, Vougioukalakis GC. VAR Fabric Modification: Inducing Antibacterial Properties, Altering Wettability/Water Repellence, and Understanding Reactivity at the Molecular Level. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:44708-44716. [PMID: 38046315 PMCID: PMC10688117 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The present work focuses on the surface coating of VAR technical fibers, consisting of 64% viscose (cellulose), 24% Kevlar, 10% other types of polyamides, and 2% antistatic polymers. Kevlar is an aramid material exhibiting excellent mechanical properties, while cellulose is a natural linear polymer composed of repeating β-d-glucose units, having several applications in the materials industry. Herein, we synthesized novel, tailor-designed organic molecules possessing functional groups able to anchor on VAR fabrics and cellulose materials, thus altering their properties on demand. To this end, we utilized methyl-α-d-glucopyranose as a model compound, both to optimize the reaction conditions, before applying them to the material and to understand the chemical behavior of the material at the molecular level. The efficient coating of the VAR fabric with the tailor-made compounds was then implemented. Thorough characterization studies using Raman and IR spectroscopies as well as SEM imaging and thermogravimetric analysis were also carried out. The wettability and water repellency and antibacterial properties of the modified VAR fabrics were also investigated in detail. To the best of our knowledge, such an approach has not been previously explored, among other factors regarding the understanding of the anchoring mechanism at the molecular level. The proposed modification protocol holds the potential to improve the properties of various cellulose-based materials beyond VAR fabrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstathios Tonis
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Efrosyni Frousiou
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Nikolaos S Heliopoulos
- 700 Military Factory, Supreme Military Support Command, 50 Anapafseos, Piraeus 18648, Greece
| | - Antonia Kagkoura
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, Athens 11635, Greece
| | - Christina Stangel
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, Athens 11635, Greece
| | | | - Angeliki Galeou
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou E' & Neapoleos Str., Agia Paraskevi,Athens, Attica 15341, Greece
| | - Anastasia Prombona
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou E' & Neapoleos Str., Agia Paraskevi,Athens, Attica 15341, Greece
| | - Kostas Stamatakis
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou E' & Neapoleos Str., Agia Paraskevi,Athens, Attica 15341, Greece
| | - Nikos Boukos
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou E' & Neapoleos Str., Agia Paraskevi,Athens, Attica 15341, Greece
| | - Nikos Tagmatarchis
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, Athens 11635, Greece
| | - Georgios C Vougioukalakis
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
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Canton-Vitoria R, Heliopoulos N, Boukos N, Vasilakos S, Siamidis D, Stamatakis K, Tagmatarchis N. Covalently Modified Kevlar Fabric Incorporating Graphene Oxide with Enhanced Antibacterial Properties and Preserved Strength. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202301400. [PMID: 37376954 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202301400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
This work describes a multi-step modification process for the covalent transformation of Kevlar fabric en route to the incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. Spectroscopic, thermal and microscopy imaging techniques have been employed to follow step-by-step the modification of Kevlar and the formation of the corresponding Kevlar-GO hybrid fabric. The level of Kevlar's functionalization can be controlled with the nitration time, the first reaction in the multi-sequence organic transformations, for obtaining the hybrid fabric with a content of GO up to 30 %. Most importantly, the covalent post-modification of Kevlar does not occur in the expense of the other excellent mechanical properties of the fabric. Under optimal conditions, the Kevlar-GO hybrid fabric shows a 20 % enhancement of the ultimate strength. Notably, when the Kevlar-GO hybrid fabric was exposed to cyanobacterial Synechococcus the bacteria growth was fully inhibited. Overall, the covalently modified fabric demonstrated significant antibacterial behavior, excellent strength and stability under common processes. Due to its simplicity, the methodology presented in this work not only promises to result in a standard procedure to functionalize the mer units of Kevlar with a variety of chemicals and nanomaterials but it can be also extended for the modification and hybridization of other fabrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Canton-Vitoria
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Heliopoulos
- 700 Military Factory, Supreme Military Support Command, 50 Anapfseos, 18648, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Nikos Boukos
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou E' & Neapoleos Str., 15341, Agia Paraskevi Attica, Greece
| | - Sozon Vasilakos
- Siamidis S.A. Industrial Zone, Inofita, 32011, Viotia, Greece
| | | | - Kostas Stamatakis
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou E' & Neapoleos Str., 15341, Agia Paraskevi Attica, Greece
| | - Nikos Tagmatarchis
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635, Athens, Greece
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Frousiou E, Tonis E, Rotas G, Pantelia A, Chalkidis SG, Heliopoulos NS, Kagkoura A, Siamidis D, Galeou A, Prombona A, Stamatakis K, Boukos N, Vougioukalakis GC. Kevlar ®, Nomex ®, and VAR Modification by Small Organic Molecules Anchoring: Transfusing Antibacterial Properties and Improving Water Repellency. Molecules 2023; 28:5465. [PMID: 37513342 PMCID: PMC10385662 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The surface modification of fabrics composed of Kevlar®, Nomex®, or VAR was extensively investigated. Kevlar® and Nomex® are widely-utilized aramid materials, whereas VAR is a technical fabric comprising 64% viscose, 24% para-aramid (Kevlar®), 10% polyamide, and 2% antistatic fibers. Both aramid materials and cellulose/viscose exhibit exceptional mechanical properties that render them valuable in a wide range of applications. For the herein studied modification of Kevlar®, Nomex®, and VAR, we used small organic molecules 3-allyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (ADMH) and 3-(acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC), which were anchored onto the materials under study via graft polymerization. By doing so, excellent antibacterial properties were induced in the three studied fabrics. Their water repellency was improved in most cases as well. Extensive characterization studies were conducted to probe the properties of the modified materials, employing Raman and FTIR spectroscopies, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrosyni Frousiou
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathios Tonis
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Rotas
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Anna Pantelia
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Savvas G Chalkidis
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos S Heliopoulos
- 700 Military Factory, Supreme Military Support Command, 50 Anapafseos, 18648 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Antonia Kagkoura
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Angeliki Galeou
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou E' & Neapoleos Str., 15341 Agia Paraskevi Attica, Greece
| | - Anastasia Prombona
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou E' & Neapoleos Str., 15341 Agia Paraskevi Attica, Greece
| | - Kostas Stamatakis
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou E' & Neapoleos Str., 15341 Agia Paraskevi Attica, Greece
| | - Nikos Boukos
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patriarchou Grigoriou E' & Neapoleos Str., 15341 Agia Paraskevi Attica, Greece
| | - Georgios C Vougioukalakis
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
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Optimization of Antibacterial Properties of “Hybrid” Metal-Sputtered Superhydrophobic Surfaces. COATINGS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/coatings10010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial attachment and colonization to hygiene sensitive surfaces, both public and nosocomial, as well as in food industry areas, poses a serious problem to human healthcare. Several infection incidents are reported, while bacterial resistance to antibiotics is increasing. Recently, novel techniques for the design of antibacterial surfaces to limit bacterial spreading have emerged, including bifunctional antibacterial surfaces with antifouling and bactericidal action. In this context, we have recently developed smart, universal, metal-sputtered superhydrophobic surfaces, demonstrating both bacterial repulsion and killing efficacy. Herein, we present the optimization process that led to the realization of these “hybrid” antibacterial surfaces. To this end, two bactericidal agents, silver and copper, were tested for their efficiency against Gram-negative bacteria, with copper showing a stronger bactericidal action. In addition, between two low surface energy coatings, the fluorinated-alkyl self-assembled chlorosilane layer from perfluorinated octyltrichlorosilane (pFOTS) solution and the fluorocarbon layer from octafluorocyclobutane (C4F8) plasma were both approved for their anti-adhesive properties after immersion in bacterial solution. However, the latter was found to be more efficient when engrafted with the bactericidal agent in shielding its killing performance. Furthermore, the thickness of the plasma-deposited fluorocarbon layer was optimized, in order to simultaneously retain both the superhydrophobicity of the surface and its long-term bactericidal activity.
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Ellinas K, Kefallinou D, Stamatakis K, Gogolides E, Tserepi A. Is There a Threshold in the Antibacterial Action of Superhydrophobic Surfaces? ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:39781-39789. [PMID: 29058866 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b11402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The realization of antibacterial surfaces is an important scientific problem, which may be addressed by the use of superhydrophobic surfaces, reducing bacterial adhesion. However, there are several limitations and contradicting reports on the antibacterial efficacy of such surfaces. Moreover, achieving antibacterial action through minimization of adhesion does not ensure complete protection against bacteria. Here, we identify the important factors affecting antibacterial action on superhydrophobic surfaces, emphasizing the role of bacterial concentration, and observing an upper concentration threshold above which antibacterial action of any surface is compromised. Finally, we propose metal enriched, superhydrophobic surfaces, as the "ultimate" "hybrid" antibacterial surfaces for in vitro applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosmas Ellinas
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, ⊥Institute of Biosciences and Applications, and §Nanoplasmas P.C. Technology Park "Lefkippos", National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos , Aghia Paraskevi, Attiki, Greece 15341
| | - Dionysia Kefallinou
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, ⊥Institute of Biosciences and Applications, and §Nanoplasmas P.C. Technology Park "Lefkippos", National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos , Aghia Paraskevi, Attiki, Greece 15341
| | - Kostas Stamatakis
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, ⊥Institute of Biosciences and Applications, and §Nanoplasmas P.C. Technology Park "Lefkippos", National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos , Aghia Paraskevi, Attiki, Greece 15341
| | - Evangelos Gogolides
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, ⊥Institute of Biosciences and Applications, and §Nanoplasmas P.C. Technology Park "Lefkippos", National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos , Aghia Paraskevi, Attiki, Greece 15341
| | - Angeliki Tserepi
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, ⊥Institute of Biosciences and Applications, and §Nanoplasmas P.C. Technology Park "Lefkippos", National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos , Aghia Paraskevi, Attiki, Greece 15341
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Perdikaki A, Galeou A, Pilatos G, Karatasios I, Kanellopoulos NK, Prombona A, Karanikolos GN. Ag and Cu Monometallic and Ag/Cu Bimetallic Nanoparticle-Graphene Composites with Enhanced Antibacterial Performance. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:27498-27510. [PMID: 27680975 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b08403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Increased proliferation of antimicrobial resistance and new strains of bacterial pathogens severely impact current health, environmental, and technological developments, demanding design of novel, highly efficient antibacterial agents. Ag, Cu monometallic and Ag/Cu bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) were in situ grown on the surface of graphene, which was produced by chemical vapor deposition using ferrocene as precursor and further functionalized to introduce oxygen-containing surface groups. The antibacterial performance of the resulting hybrids was evaluated against Escherichia coli cells and compared through a series of parametrization experiments of varying metal type and concentration. It was found that both Ag- and Cu-based monometallic graphene composites significantly suppress bacterial growth, yet the Ag-based ones exhibit higher activity compared to that of their Cu-based counterparts. Compared with well-dispersed colloidal Ag NPs of the same metal concentration, Ag- and Cu-based graphene hybrids display weaker antibacterial activity. However, the bimetallic Ag/CuNP-graphene hybrids exhibit superior performance compared to that of all other materials tested, i.e., both the monometallic graphene structures as well as the colloidal NPs, achieving complete bacterial growth inhibition at all metal concentrations tested. This striking performance is attributed to the synergistic action of the combination of the two different metals that coexist on the surface as well as the enhancing role of the graphene support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Georgios N Karanikolos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Petroleum Institute , P.O. Box 2533, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Heliopoulos NS, Galeou A, Papageorgiou SK, Favvas EP, Katsaros FK, Stamatakis K. Modified in situ antimicrobial susceptibility testing method based on cyanobacteria chlorophyll a fluorescence. J Microbiol Methods 2016; 121:1-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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