Micro-structured P–N junction surfaces: large-scale preparation, antifouling properties, and a synergistic antibacterial mechanism. Issue 6 (18th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ni, Mengfei; Li, Wenwen; Yuan, Bing; Zou, Shuai; Cheng, Wei; Yang, Kai; Su, Jiandong; Sun, Bingwei; Su, Xiaodong
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 11:Issue 6(2023)
• Page Start: 1312
• Page End: 1319
• Publication Date: 2023-01-18
• Subjects: Materials -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/d2tb02258c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-750X

Abstract

Abstract : P–n junctions enhance the anti-infection ability of micro-pyramid structured surfaces. The synergetic effect of mechanical rupture and electric injury is supposed to be responsible for the potent antibacterial activity. Abstract : Constructing an antifouling surface cost-effectively is vitally important for many applications. Herein, a series of silicon substrates with micro-pyramid structures and p–n junctions were fabricated following a simple industrial processing flow, among which the p + n-Si substrate, fabricated through boron doping of a micro-pyramid structured n-type silicon wafer, exhibited the most pronounced antibacterial performance. Broad-spectrum bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity of p + n-Si under ambient light illumination was observed, with an inhibition ability of 73–100% compared to that of a bare glass against both airborne and contact-transmitted bacteria in the intensive care unit. The synergetic effect of mechanical rupture and electric injury was supposed to be responsible for the potent antibacterial activity. This work proposes a state-of-the-art concept that p–n junctions enhance the anti-infection ability of micro-structured surfaces and provide a promising strategy for fabricating practical antifouling surfaces with a large-size, a facile manufacturing procedure, and gentle working conditions, as well as broad-spectrum and physical antibacterial mechanisms.