PVDF composite films including graphene/ZnO nanostructures and their antimicrobial activity

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is a biocompatible polymer commonly used for biomedical applications, food packaging and hygiene products. Within these contexts, the polymer surface is typically exposed to microorganisms and bacteria, with consequent biofilm formation. In this paper, self-standing flexible composite poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films with antimicrobial properties were prepared by simple solution casting method. We investigated the effect of three different types of nanofillers, namely graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO-NRs) and ZnO-NR-decorated GNPs (ZNGs), on the antimicrobial activity of PVDF composite films against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. ZnO-NRs were also grown directly over the surface of PVDF composite films filled with ZnO nanoparticles, acting as nucleation seeds. In all cases, vitality tests performed in static conditions demonstrated a strong antimicrobial property of the produced specimens. This effect can be mainly ascribed to the bacteria/nanomaterials strong surface interaction, which results in the biofilm integrity disruption.