Application of silver antibacterial nanolayers for hard contact lenses coating

The antibacterial action of Ag-doped Al2O3 nanolayers, deposited by RF reactive magnetron sputtering on hard contact lenses, was established. Synthesis of Ag/Al2O3 protective coatings is necessary for suppressing the infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms following the placement of hard contact lenses. The chemical composition, morphology and optical properties of the coatings were studied. Microbiological studies conducted of the nanocomposite Ag/Al2O3 layers against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus) proved their antibacterial effects. Intense action of the layers was found against Pseudomonas aeruginosa - full inactivation after 2 hours; Escherichia coli - full inactivation after 5 hours; Staphylococcus aureus – full inactivation after 24 hours. Our experimental findings suggest a very promising application of such antibacterial Ag/Al2O3 nanolayers regarding the reduction of eye infections when the hard contact lenses are used.