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Polyunsaturated hydrocarbons undergo auto-oxidation-induced
cross-linking, which is similar to lipid peroxidation, the process by
which fatty acids are oxidized in biological systems. During this
process a variety of chemically active species called �free radicals�
are generated. These were used by the group as a tool to prepare metal
nano-particles in situ in the oil medium.
�The simplicity of the process and economics should allow us to
commercialize these paints as a versatile coating material for health
and environmental applications� says Dr. Pulickel M. Ajayan, Professor
of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Houston-based Rice
University, and co-author.
�Using the same approach we should be able to produce a large variety
of nano-particle dispersions useful in applications ranging from
healthcare to catalysis,� added co-investigator Dr. Ashavani Kumar, a
postdoctoral research associate at Rice.
The nanoparticle embedded coating can be applied like traditional
paints to such surfaces as metal, wood, polymers, glass, and ceramics.
The metal nanoparticles show characteristic color but avoid the use of
short shelf-life organic pigment paints.
In addition, these coatings exhibited efficient antibacterial activity
toward Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).
The antibacterial property is important for hospitals and other public
buildings that are prone to bacterial growth, a main cause of
infection and disease.
�We have been working on developing various in situ methods for
organic soft matter-mediated metal nanoparticle synthesis,� noted Dr.
Praveen Kumar Vemula, one of the investigators. �However, to date, the
present approach is the smartest as it is devised based on utilization
of naturally occurring process.�
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