Antimicrobial Activity of Nisin Adsorbed to Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Silicon Surfaces

Abstract

The antimicrobial activity of nisin was studied after its adsorption to hydrophilic and hydrophobic silicon surfaces. Adsorption was allowed to occur from buffered nisin solutions under static conditions, and the adsorbed mass of nisin was calculated from the resultant film thickness and refractive index, determined using ellipsometry. Once adsorbed, nisin was observed to be stable to buffer rinsing; the amount of nisin adsorbed onto each type of surface was determined to be of a quantity sufficent for inhibition of susceptible bacteria. Antimicrobial activity was maintained both upon silicon surface contact with microbial media and after nisin desorption induced by surfactant displacement.