NanoAntiBak: Development of Injection-Moulded, Bioinspired Nanostructured Polymer Surfaces with Structural Antibacterial Functionality (90% Inactivation of E. coli K12) Based on Cicada Wing Topographies

The aim of this project is to develop an antibacterial, nanostructured surface for LSR and TPE injection moulding. The biological model is the nanoscale pillar architecture found on cicada wings. This surface functionalization lowers the risk of smear and contact infections by inactivating 90% of bacteria upon contact. For the first time, the nanostructure is replicated onto the polymer component directly via the injection moulding process. To achieve this, cicada wings are transferred into a CAD model for surface mapping with a tolerance accuracy of ±10 nm.

In addition, a multi-cavity injection mould is being developed in which the negative form of the nanopillars is scaled and reproducibly implemented using a newly developed tetrapod-based process. For the injection moulding process itself, a highly dynamic and energy-efficient temperature control system is being designed to achieve a replication accuracy of >99% and to prevent premature solidification of the polymer in edge regions.

The market demand for antibacterial polymer surfaces is highly topical and relevant, particularly in light of increasing antibiotic resistance driven by the extensive use of biocidal agents.

Project duration: July 2024 – June 2026
Project partner: J. & F. Krüth GmbH
Funding reference: KK5052616PA4
Funding agency: AiF Projekt GmbH, ZIM Cooperation Projects
Contact person: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Matthias Deckert, Dennis Mayer, M.Eng.