Capillary condensation mediated fluidic straining for enhanced bacterial inactivation

Abstract

Biomaterials capable of continuously inactivating pathogens are essential for suppressing transmission of infectious diseases, such as epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis and pulmonary tuberculosis. Here, capillary condensation of air moisture within nano-confined spaces between superhydrophilic rigid nanorods is shown and target microbiology spontaneously stretch and inactivate aerosolized microorganisms. Specifically, the negative Gaussian curvature-shaped water condensate causes fluidic straining, comprising surface tension and Laplace pressure, strong enough to deform and eliminate the selected bacteria. Plate counting quantifies the sharply reduced contact-killing period for superhydrophilic and bare nanorods (6 vs 100 min for E. coli, 20 vs 120 min for S. aureus) under relative humidity of 70%. Theoretical calculations and experimental studies indicate increased mechanical straining and mechano-bactericidal by improving air moisture content. To further illustrate utility, long-term antibacterial medical masks are fabricated by integrating such nanorods onto commercial fabrics. Collectively, these findings highlight the immense potential of capillary condensation-induced fluidic straining as an eco-friendly, broad-spectrum, and highly efficient antibacterial strategy.