Attaching Graphene to Surfaces for Antimicrobial Applications

Over the past few years there have been many interesting results in the literature about the interaction of graphene (G) and graphene oxide (GO) with microorganisms. However, the results seen so far are inconsistent. The literature has reported varying degrees of biocompatibility and selectivity for the two materials but it is widely believed that they are both bactericidal.

This wide range of reported activity is likely due there being a number of mechanisms by which graphene-type materials can act on cells including: inducing oxidative stress; disrupting membranes due to sharp edges; delivering adsorbed impurities; greatly changing substrate stiffness and roughness.

In this project, we will make novel nanocomposite surfaces using surface-grafted polymer brush chains with adsorbed graphene and graphene oxide. We will test literature hypotheses regarding the interaction of graphene and cells, with the aim of producing selective antimicrobial coatings.