PFAS-Free Superhydrophobic Xerogel Coatings for Enhanced Antibacterial and Antifouling Performance in Food Safety and Hygiene Applications
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초록
내용
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are commonly utilized in waterproof and stain-resistant coatings for their outstanding anti-adhesion properties, but their strong chemical bonds make them hard to break down, potentially leading to diseases such as thyroid disorders and asthma. In this study, we developed a PFAS-free xerogel coating technology with antibacterial and antifouling properties that can replace PFAS compounds for food safety and hygiene applications. The antibacterial properties were evaluated using E. coli and S. epidermidis by the pour plate method and showed antibacterial efficacy greater than 90%, and the SiO2 nanoparticles exhibited a contact angle of 152.7° with water droplets, confirming their superhydrophobic antifouling characteristics. The antibacterial and antifouling properties of xerogel coatings, combined with the insulating properties of xerogels, ensure excellent freshness maintenance for temperature-sensitive foods, thereby enhancing food safety.