Surface functionalization of metallic substrates via essential oils for antibacterial applications

 

Investigator: Johan Pfeiffer (Bachelor student) 

Johann Pfeiffer

 

Supervisors: Laura Ramos Rivera, Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

 

Next to having gained popularity in traditional medicine, essential oils have been of increasing interest for the scientific community in recent years. Due to their antibacterial and antifungal properties, essential oils may be a viable option as coatings for biomedical applications [1]. This project studies the surface functionalization of 316L stainless steel using different essential oils. Characterization by means of fluorescent microscope observations, SEM, XRD, FTIR and UV/VIS spectroscopy are planned to give further insight into the effectiveness of the coating process. In addition, the coated samples will be subjected to evaluation of their resistance to washing in different media and further antimicrobial testing. The results will allow us to gain insight into the potential of essential oil coatings for future biomedical applications.

[1] Cazzola, M., Ferraris, S., Allizont, V., et al., Surface Coating and functionalization of Metallic Biomaterials with Essential Oils for Antibacterial Applications.