Cold Plasma Synthesis of Poly(ethylene glycol)-like Layers on Stainless-Steel Surfaces to Reduce Attachment and Biofilm Formation by Listeria monocytogenes

摘要

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-like structures were generated on stainless steel under di(ethylene glycol) vinyl ether (DiEGVE) radio frequency-plasma environments. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated a PEG-like deposition, which was stable to cleaning, sanitizing, and storage for up to 2 mo. Atomic force microscopy and water contact angle analysis indicated that the modified stainless-steel surfaces were less rough and more hydrophilic than the unmodified surfaces. Listeria monocytogenes attachment and biofilm formation on modified surfaces decreased more than 90% compared with the unmodified stainless steel (P < 0.01). DiEGVE cold plasma was demonstrated to be a promising technique to reduce bacterial contamination on surfaces encountered in food-processing environments.