Multifunctional Touch Sensing and Antibacterial Polymer-Based Core-Shell Metallic Nanowire Composites for High Traffic Surfaces

The transmission of bacterial infections through contaminated surfaces is nowadays an increasing source of concern, also related to the current pandemic situation. Functional materials that prevent the adhesion of microorganisms and/or induce their eradication thus avoiding fomite transmission are highly needed. In this work, a highly antimicrobial hybrid with sensorial capability is developed to be further applied as interactive high traffic surface coatings. The nanocomposite is composed of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a highly stable fluorinated polymer, incorporating copper core-shell nanowires (NWs). The NWs comprised of copper and shelled with silver is highly antimicrobial, inducing a full kill effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains but biocompatible towards mammalian cells at concentrations below 0.5 mg mL(-1). Further NWs incorporation on PVDF matrix retains its antimicrobial activity reducing in 6.5 logs the E. coli and 4.5 logs the S. epidermidis. NW/PVDF composites demonstrate suitable mechanical and electrical characteristics for the development of capacitive sensing surfaces, allowing for the fabrication of an antimicrobial capacitive touch sensing matrix for interactive surfaces.