Antibacterial nanocomposites produced from offset lithography inks

Experts from Iran Institute for Color Science and Technology used zinc oxide nanoparticles to produce an antibacterial nanocomposite from offset lithography inks which can be applied for lithography on various types of packaging of foodstuff, medications and cosmetics. A wide range of objects are subjected to printing, to the extent that many of them are in contact with polluted media, and pollution is transferred to humans when humans are in contact with the objects. Therefore, the production of an ink containing appropriate nanoparticles such as Ag or ZnO can have effective applications in various microorganisms. It can also increase the lifetime and durability of the products. The aim of the research is to produce an antibacterial nanocomposite from offset lithography inks used for publishing on the packaging of foodstuff, medications and cosmetics in a way that the ink conserves its initial properties and its performance does not vary. Maryam Atayeefard, member of the Scientific Board of Department of Printing Sciences and Technology of Iran Institute for Color Sciences and Technology, explained about the research. “Due to the high solid percentage of the ink, the powder of zinc oxide nanoparticles was used in the production of antibacterial lithography ink. For the same reason, a mill with three rollers was used to carry out the mixing process. Nanoparticles were added to the ink in weight percents of 1, 3, and 5. The sample was milled three times to obtain better mixing.” Results of antibacterial test showed improvement in antibacterial properties and reduction in the growth of bacteria on ink samples in the presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Results of the research have been published in details in Composites Part B: Engineering, vol. 51, August 2013, pp. 92-97.