Inhibition of biofilm formation on silicone rubber samples using various antimicrobial agents

High-temperature-cured silicone rubber samples (silicone rubber (SIR) based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)) and SIR samples containing three different antimicrobial agents, sodium benzoate (NaB), DCOIT (4,5 Dichloro-2-octyl-2H-isothiazolone-one) and p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) were inoculated with fungal spore suspensions and incubated for 28 days at 29 ± 1 °C and ≥90% humidity, according to the ISO 846:1997(E) protocol. Prior to the biodegradation test, a powder test was conducted to study the efficacy of the chosen antimicrobial compounds and to determine the correct concentration of the compounds for sample preparation. The extent of the microbial growth was studied visually and by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Changes in surface hydrophobicity and surface chemical composition were studied by contact angle measurements and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. Microbial growth and biofilm formation were observed on the surface of reference samples. DCOIT was the most effective antimicrobial agent, as demonstrated by the lack of microbial growth and unaltered surface hydrophobicity. On the surface of samples containing NaB, an initiation of microbial growth and therefore a slight change in surface hydrophobicity was observed. PABA did not inhibit the fungal growth.