Sunflower Ashes and Nanoparticles Embedded in Silane Matrix as Bioactive Filler Material

Abstract

Microbial contamination of indoor environmental surfaces is a common source for infections therefore, bio-deterioration in buildings indoor materials is really important to avoid, due to the negative impact on human health. Consequently, functionalized and sustainable materials are being intensively studied to control the microbial colonization. Firstly, it was possible to obtain silica samples by the sol-gel method with the addition of sunflower residues in the form of ashes together with silver or copper salt to produce antimicrobials solids. Secondly, the synthesized solids were characterized by different techniques. TEM analyses confirmed the successful inclusion of silver and copper nanoparticles into the silica framework mainly spherical in shape, and small size. The antimicrobial activity of the solids was assessed against fungal strains obtained from indoor bio-deteriorated building surfaces, Chaetomium globosum (KU936228) and Alternaria alternata (KU936229). The addition of ashes into the samples improved the antifungal activity of the solids. Both silver and copper as antimicrobial agents reduce the potential for cross-contamination to occur, as it is effective against a wide range of microorganisms.