| Summary: | The aim of this study was to ascertain whether the combined action of metal nanoparticles (silver, copper, zinc oxide, iron oxide) would ensure the appropriate biocidal properties oflow-density polyethylene (LDPE) against pathogenic microorganisms. According to the research hypothesis, appropriately selected concentrations of the applied metal nanoparticles allow for a high level of biocidal activity of polymeric materials against both model and pathogenic bacterial strains (<i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, <i>Legionella pneumophila</i>, <i>Salmonella enterica</i> subsp. <i>enterica</i>) and fungi (<i>Aspergillus brasiliensis</i>, <i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>, <i>Candida albicans</i>, <i>Penicilium expansum</i>), whilst ensuring the safety of use due to the lack of migration of particles to the surrounding environment. Studies have shown that adding 4% of a biocide containing Ag, Cu, ZnO, and Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> nanoparticles is the most optimal solution to reduce the number of <i>S. aureus</i>, <i>S. enterica</i> and <i>P. aeruginosa</i> by over 99%. The lowest effectiveness was observed against <i>L. pneumophila</i> bacteria. As for <i>E. coli</i>, a higher biocide content did not significantly increase the antibacterial activity. The results showed a high efficiency of the applied biocide at a concentration of 2% against fungal strains. The high efficiency of the obtained biocidal results was influenced by the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in the material and their low degree of agglomeration. Furthermore, a slight migration of components to the environment is the basis for further research in the field of the application of the developed materials in industry.
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