Plasma polymerization of pentane and hexane for antibacterial and biocompatible thin films

Abstract

Antibacterial polymeric coatings are deposited on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films through atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization with pentane and hexane monomers. The process uses surface dielectric barrier discharge in nitrogen. XPS analysis reveals the formation of carbon- and nitrogen-containing films with oxygen incorporation from ambient air. Alkyl, hydroxyl, and amine groups contribute to the coatings' superhydrophilic properties post-treatment. Coating thickness varies with the monomer flow rate, with pentane yielding thicker coatings than hexane under identical conditions and deposition increasing linearly with the flow rate. Treated PET films show strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia coli, demonstrating plasma polymerization's potential in biomedical applications. Cytotoxicity, evaluated using the MTS assay, confirms biocompatibility.