Bactericidal activity of self-assembled palmitic and stearic fatty acid crystals on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite.

摘要: Abstract The wings of insects such as cicadas and dragonflies have been found to possess nanostructure arrays that are assembled from fatty acids. These can physically interact with the bacterial cell membranes, leading death cell. Such mechanobactericidal surfaces significant interest, they kill bacteria without need for antibacterial chemicals. Here, we report on bactericidal effect two main lipid components insect wing epicuticle, palmitic (C16) stearic (C18) Films these acids were re-crystallised surface highly ordered pyrolytic graphite. It appeared presence additional CH 2 groups in alkyl chain resulted formation different structures. Scanning electron microscopy atomic force showed acid microcrystallites more asymmetric than those acid, where observed be an angular abutment scanning micrographs. principal differences between types long-chain saturated crystallites larger density peaks upper contact plane crystallites, well their greater proportion asymmetrical shapes, comparison film. parameters might contribute higher activity derived acid. Both crystallite displayed against Gram-negative, rod-shaped Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gram-positive, spherical Staphylococcus aureus cells. microcrystallite interfaces a useful tool fabrication effective nanocoatings. Statement Significance Nanostructured cicada dragonfly discovered able successful three-dimensional structures epicuticle wings, After crystallisation onto graphite, both films Gram-negative Gram-positive simplicity production suggests technique, based solution deposition, could technique application