Estudo da ação antimicrobiana pela modificação de regiões próximas à superfície de aço inoxidável

Abstract

The biofilms are a new form of life that offers greater resistance to microorganisms, protecting them against physical and chemical aggressions of the surroundings, which facilitate its adaptation in adverse conditions. The development of pathogenic biofilms on contact surfaces used in the health and food industries is the main cause of increased contamination that can, eventually, lead to public health problems and economic order. To prevent, control or eradicate biofilms, technological alternatives are being developed and tested in materials with antimicrobial properties. Within this context, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of silver ions (Ag+) implanted on the surface of austenitic stainless steel AISI 304 by the technique of ion implantation at low energy (4 keV) in an Ion Plating Diversified (IPD) equipment. The bacteria studied were Escherichia coli (IBEc 101) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538). The simulations Monte Carlo has predicted for a given energy of polarization, the dose and depth profile of ions Ag+ implanted in steel. Physico-chemical analysis presented doses of silver, in the order of magnitude of 1016 atoms/cm2 at depths less than 10 nm. The areal density of silver atoms implanted was influenced by the relationship between the emission current index and the process time. The microbiological results obtained showed a significant reduction in bacterial adhesion (95% for E. coli and 90% for S. aureus) in relation to its controls. However, impurities such as oxygen found on the surface of samples altered the adhesion of the bacterial cells. The variation of the pH of the culture medium caused the electrostatic repulsion between bacterial cells and solid surface increases to pH values close to neutrality and to shrink to no alkaline pH values, interfering in this way, in the adhesion of bacteria. Missing data yet proving their income and the total cost of the product treated, there is a huge prospect of making the process IPD on an industrial scale.