Antibacterial properties of Cu–ZrO2 thin films prepared via aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition

Abstract

The antibacterial properties of a Cu–ZrO₂ film grown via aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition are presented. The composite film showed high activity against E. coli (Gram-negative) and S. aureus (Gram-positive) bacteria with 5 log₁₀ (E. coli) and 4 log₁₀ (S. aureus) decrease in viable bacteria achieved within 20 and 60 minutes respectively. These results were comparable to a pure copper film that was prepared under the same conditions. The composite film was characterized for material properties using a range of techniques including X-ray photoemission and X-ray diffraction.