Layer-by-layer films based on polyaniline, titanate nanotubes, and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide for antifungal coatings

Layer-by-layer (LbL) films have been developed for multiple applications, including functional coatings with antimicrobial activity. In this work, we describe the development of LbL films based on polyaniline (PANI), titanate nanotubes (TiNTs-Na 2 Ti 3 O 7 ), and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) for applications in antifungal coatings. The LbL films were characterized by spectroscopy in the UV–visible region, cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Among various films architectures tested, the PANI(TiNTs)/CTAB film was more promising for the suggested applications. This film showed excellent activity against Cryptococcus neoformans fungi, showing inhibition zones. The material developed in this work is a candidate for coating of air conditioning pipes, for instance, since besides the antifungal activity, it also adds the anticorrosive and air-purifying properties present in PANI and TiNTs. Graphical abstract