Project Grant 2231306

This $196,920 National Science Foundation project grant supports research at the University of New Orleans to develop anti-microbial surfaces using additive manufacturing techniques. Specifically, the grant funds an interdisciplinary research effort to understand how embedding silver nanoparticles into polymer filaments for material extrusion 3D printing, and manipulating process parameters and part design, can influence ion release kinetics and the effectiveness of fabricated parts in eliminating common bacteria like E. coli and S. aureus. The project aims to design 3D printed specimens with surface topography limiting bacterial attachment sites and internal voids enhancing silver ion release rates, without compromising component performance. Outcomes from characterizing specimen morphologies, silver ion release, and bacterial adhesion/growth testing are expected to provide insights for cost-effective healthcare applications limiting infection rates. This work directly supports the National Science Foundation's Engineering Directorate mission of advancing innovation in engineering research and education.