Silver has antimicrobial properties and when implemented on the stainless steel surface can inactivate microorganisms and consequently prevent biofilm formation and cross-contamination of food. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the antibacterial properties of silver ions implanted on AISI 304 stainless steel surfaces using low-energy doses against Salmonella Enteritidis and Listeria monocytogenes, two foodborne pathogens. AISI 304 stainless steel coupons were treated using energy of 2 and 4 keV for silver implantation and simulations were performed to estimate its dose distribution. Coupons containing silver ions were contaminated with S. Enteritidis and L. monocytogenes and incubated at 25 °C for 1 and 24 h. Results demonstrated that 4 keV treatment were able to reduce S. Enteritidis, but not L. monocytogenes. However, the 2 keV treatment showed significant reductions of both pathogens and the depth profiles of surfaces treated with 2 keV of energy showed 3.5×1016 silver atoms/cm² implanted in up to 5 nm from the stainless steel surface. Silver implanted on stainless steel using low-energy doses demonstrated antimicrobial properties against foodborne pathogens and this strategy can be used to reduce adhered cells and biofilm formation in food industries. Keywords: bacterial adhesion, biofilm, foodborne pathogens, ion implantation, silver ions
Modification of AISI 304 Stainless Steel Surface by the Low Temperature Complex Salt Bath Nitriding at 430^|^deg;C