Formulation of nanohybrid coating based on essential oil and fluoroalkyl silane for antibacterial superhydrophobic surfaces

This paper reveals the role of microstructures formed on the surface of aluminum substrates created by acid etching. A wettability study showed that using a fluorinated silica polymer (PF) and the essential oil of eucalyptus (ECA) with adequate surface texture promoted antibacterial activity. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed that the micro-nanostructure enhanced the possibility of loading the ECA as an antibacterial agent. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis confirmed the chemical linkage between the different components of the surface. Antibacterial tests carried out using inhibition discs displayed the antibacterial behavior of the surface's components against Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli bacteria. The direct tests on the surface confirmed its capacity to limit bacterial adherence when exposed to bacteria contamination, 99.19% and 97.28% in the case of B. cereus with (PF) and ECA:PF-based coatings. In the case of E. coli these were 94.65% and 98.69% with PF and ECA:PF respectively.