Effect of the interlayer distribution of ZnO decorated with Ag nanoparticles on the antimicrobial activity of multilayer poly(methyl methacrylate) films

Incorporating nanoparticles into polymer matrices for enhanced antimicrobial properties is particularly interesting. This study examines how the interlayer distribution of zinc oxide (ZnO) decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) within poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films impacts their antimicrobial activity. Various PMMA multilayer films were prepared, with the antimicrobial additive intentionally placed in the outer, core, bottom, or throughout all layers. Their efficacy was tested against gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. Results indicate that E. coli was the strain with the highest sensitivity to the system because it is a gram (−) bacterium, which could generate a lower resistance to AgNPs. On the other hand, S. aureus, being gram (+), presents a thicker lipid membrane, and peptidoglycan wall, which makes it difficult for AgNPs to enter. Films with uniform distribution throughout thickness exhibited the most sustained antimicrobial activity due to high antimicrobial concentration. This study demonstrated that the distribution of the AgNPs/ZnO system in different layers of a PMMA film influences its antimicrobial capacity. Finally, a mechanism for migrating silver ions released from the AgNPs/ZnO system in PMMA films is proposed, highlighting their interactions with bacterial cells and the subsequent antimicrobial effects. Highlights Interlayer distribution influences antimicrobial activity. Outer placement leads to rapid silver ion release. Core distribution controls antimicrobial kinetics. Uniform distribution ensures sustained activity. The study explores PMMA films with AgNPs/ZnO in various configurations: (a) synthesis of AgNPs and decoration of ZnO, (b) fabrication of PMMA films using the spin‐coating method, (c) different configurations of the AgNPs/ZnO system in PMMA films, and finally (d) antibacterial mechanism proposed.