Enhanced functionality of colloidal polyaniline/polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite as an antibacterial agent

This study describes the preparation of colloidal polyaniline/polyvinyl alcohol (PAn/PVA) nanocomposite by chemical polymerization of aniline (AN) in the presence of ammonium peroxydisulphate (APS) as an oxidant and PVA as a stabilizer. The product was characterized morphologically using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), chemically using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and optically UV–visible. The prepared polymer was then tested for the antibacterial properties against gram‐negative bacteria: Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa); and gram‐positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The antibacterial properties were assessed by disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), and the bactericidal effect methods. The results clearly showed that colloidal PAn/PVA nanocomposite strongly inhibits the growth of wild‐type E. coli (19 ± 0.5) mm followed by P. aeruginosa (17 ± 0.5 mm) and S. aureus (17.5 ± 0.5 mm) bacteria. S. aureus was completely killed after exposure for only 15 min, whereas S. aureus and E. coli were completely killed after exposure for 25 min. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:267–272, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Comparative Study of the Micellar and Antimicrobial Activity of Gemini-Conventional Surfactants in Pure and Mixed Micelles

We have carried out mixed micellization of pentanediyl-α,ω-bis(dimethyl cetylammonium bromide) (G5) with conventional cationic cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and nonionic polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl ether (C16E20) in aqueous media and explored their antimicrobial activity in single and binary systems against Escherichia coli (E.coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The compounds tested showed excellent antibacterial activity: 0.76–3.38 g/l minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and were more active against gram +ve bacteria. For surfactant mixtures G5-C16E20 > G5-CPC, the ionic-nonionic binary surfactant showed greater antibacterial activity. The experimental results of this study may be profitably used to understand and predict the antibacterial activity of gemini-conventional surfactant systems and provide valuable information for selection of surfactant for microbiocidal action.     

Phase behavior,in vitro drug release,and antibacterial activity of thermoresponsive poloxamer–polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel-loaded mupirocin nanoparticles

This research was designed to develop thermoresponsive poloxamer (P407)–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels to deliver mupirocin nanoparticles for wound healing. The mupirocin nanoparticles containing drug and gelatin or poly (acrylic acid) were prepared by spray drying. The hydrogel phases were evaluated by small-angle X-ray scattering. An in vitro drug release study was performed and the antibacterial activity of mupirocin nanoparticles-loaded hydrogel (MLH) was evaluated. Fourier transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum spectra of the mupirocin nanoparticles indicated a weak interaction between mupirocin and the carriers of carbopol and gelatin. The mupirocin molecules were surrounded by the carrier molecules. The MLH appeared to exhibit single diamond (Fd3m) phase behavior similar to P407 and the hydrogel base. The release of MLH in vitro indicated first-order kinetics (R² = .9839–.8868). The MLH showed lower minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli than mupirocin ointment.     

Antibacterial and biodegradable properties of polyhydroxyalkanoates grafted with chitosan and chitooligosaccharides via ozone treatment

Acrylic acid was grafted to ozone‐treated poly(3‐hydroxybutyric acid) (PHB) and poly(3‐hydroxybutyric acid‐co‐3‐hydroxyvaleric acid) (PHBV) membranes. The resulting membranes were further grafted with chitosan (CS) or chitooligosaccharide (COS) via esterification. These CS‐ or COS‐grafted membranes showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicilin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and S. aureus. The antibacterial activity to E. coli was the highest, whereas the antibacterial activity to MRSA was the lowest among these four bacteria tested. Acrylic acid grafting can increase the biodegradability with Alcaligens faecalis, whereas CS and COS grafting can reduce the biodegradability. In addition, CS‐grafted PHBV membrane showed higher antibacterial activity and lower biodegradability than COS‐grafted PHBV membrane. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 12: 2797–2803, 2003     

Surface grafting of polyester fiber with chitosan and the antibacterial activity of pathogenic bacteria

Three polyesters—poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(2‐methyl‐1,3‐propylene terephthalate‐co‐ethylene terephthalate), and poly(1,4‐cyclohexylene terephthalate‐co‐ethylene terephthalate)—were preirradiated with ⁶⁰Co‐γ‐rays. Then, acrylic acid and N‐vinylformamide were grafted to these irradiated fibers. Fibers grafted with N‐vinylformamide were further hydrolyzed with acid so that the amide groups would convert into amino groups, and they were treated with glutaraldehyde so that aldehyde groups would be introduced. Chitosan or chitooligosaccharide was then grafted to these fibers via either esterification or imine formation. Four pathogenic bacteria—methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus‐1 (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus‐2, Escherichid coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa—were tested to determine the antibacterial activities of chitosan‐grafted and chitooligosaccharide‐grafted fibers. The results showed that grafting chitosan via imine formation could achieve a higher surface density for amino groups and give higher antibacterial activity to those four bacteria tested. The antibacterial activity for E. coli was the highest and that for MRSA was the lowest among the four bacteria tested. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2977–2983, 2002     

Preparation of O‐diallylammonium chitosan with antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility

In this study, a derivative of chitosan, O‐hydroxy‐2,3‐propyl‐N‐methyl‐N,N‐diallylammonium chitosan methyl sulfate (O‐MDAACS), was synthesized by reacting chitosan with methyl diallyl ammonium. The O‐MDAACS was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ¹H NMR. Characterization was conducted including X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry. The antibacterial activities of O‐MDAACS against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentrations on O‐MDAACS were 3.7% and 23% of those on chitosan against S. aureus and K. pneumonia, respectively. The minimum bactericidal concentrations on O‐MDAACS were 7% and 36% of those on chitosan against S. aureus and K. pneumonia, respectively. Thus the antibacterial activity of O‐MDAACS was higher than that of chitosan. The cytocompatibility was evaluated in vitro with L929 fibroblasts. The results showed that after 72 h incubation the cell viability on O‐MDAACS was about 12% and 59% higher than those on chitosan and on control, respectively. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis of Chimeric Thiazolo-Nootkatone Derivatives as Potent Antimicrobial Agents

Nootkatone, an approved insecticide, is a well-known natural product from grapefruit. A series of fused-thiazole derivatives of nootkatone have been synthesized, and these new compounds were tested against several strains of bacteria. Some of these compounds are found to be potent antimicrobial agents against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values as low as 1.56 μg/mL. The lead compound is bactericidal and very potent against S. aureus persisters. These compounds are nontoxic to human cancer cell lines at 10 μm concentration.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyaniline,Poly(3-fluoroaniline), and Poly(aniline-co-3-fluoroaniline) Derivatives Obtained by Chemical Oxidative Polymerization Methods

The syntheses of thermally stable, conducting polyaniline, poly(3-fluoroaniline), and poly(aniline-co-3-fluoroaniline) derivatives by chemical oxidative polymerization methods are described. By varying the mol% of 3-fluoroaniline in the monomer feed, a series of new poly(aniline-co-3-fluoroaniline) derivatives with different chemical compositions were prepared by chemical oxidative copolymerization methods using ammonium persulfate as oxidant in the presence of hydrochloric acid as the dopant. The chemical oxidative copolymerization of aniline with 3-fluoroaniline affords poly(aniline-co-3-fluoroaniline) derivatives with increased solubility properties, greater thermal stability, improved morphological control, and enhanced electrical characteristics, which promotes the processibility of the different fluorine-functionalized polyaniline derivatives when compared with the parent polyaniline homopolymer.

Poly(3-fluoroaniline) and the different poly(aniline-co-3-fluoroaniline) derivatives show better solubility and thermal stability than the polyaniline homopolymer, due to the incorporation of the F atoms along the fluorine-functionalized polyaniline backbone. Furthermore, the poly(3-fluoroaniline) homopolymer is thermally more stable than the polyaniline homopolymer due to the presence of the C–F bonds of the 3-fluoroaniline units along the polymer backbone. The electrical conductivity of the different poly(3-fluoroaniline) derivatives is dependent on the 3-fluoroaniline content in the polymer derivative and the morphology of the specific copolymer. The poly(3-fluoroaniline) homopolymer exhibits the lowest electrical conductivity. In addition, the electrical conductivity of the different poly(aniline-co-3-fluoroaniline) derivatives decreases with increasing 3-fluoroaniline content in the copolymer. The different polymer derivatives were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectrometry, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses, scanning electron microscopy, and electrical conductivity measurements.     

Antimicrobial Activity of Isothiocyanates from Cruciferous Plants against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Purified isothiocyanates from cruciferous plants (Brassicacea, Syn. Cruciferae) plants were evaluated against 15 isolates of methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolated from diabetic foot-ulcer patients aiming the study of the potential usage of allyl-isothiocyanate, benzyl-isothiocyanate and 2-phenylethyl-isothiocyanate against this important bacteria. Disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration methods were used to access the antimicrobial activity. The index (Ia) and rate (Ra) of the antibacterial activity for each compound were calculated. The results showed a highly dose-dependent compound and chemical structure antibacterial effectiveness. The results showed a strong relation between the chemical structure of isothiocyanates and its antibacterial effectiveness. The benzyl-isothiocyanate was the most effective with a minimum inhibitory concentration varying between 2.9 and 110 µg· mL⁻¹ with an antibacterial activity rate up to 87%. Moreover, their antibacterial activity was mainly bactericidal. This study provides scientific evidence that isothiocyanates have an interesting biological value and must be considered as an important tool to be used against MRSA.     

Studies on the synthesis and antibacterial activities of polymeric quaternary ammonium salts from dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate

Four quaternary ammonium salt monomers were synthesized from dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) by quaternization with benzyl chloride (BC), butyl bromide (BB), dodecyl bromide (DB) or hexadecyl bromide (HB), respectively. And then, the monomers were homopolymerized to obtain four polymeric quaternary ammonium materials with different lengths of alkyl chain, which were referred to as poly(DMAEMA-BC), poly(DMAEMA-BB), poly(DMAEMA-DB) and poly(DMAEMA-HB), respectively. The resultant monomers and related polymers were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, NMR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and so on. Their bactericidal activities were evaluated by determining minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values and inhibitory zone diameters against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli), respectively. The results showed that the MBC values of monomer DMAEMA-DB and DMAEMA-HB were 12–24 μg/mL against E. coli and S. aureus. However, the MBC values of monomer DMAEMA-BC and DMAEMA-BB were higher than 50 mg/mL against test microbe. It was very interesting that poly(DMAEMA-BC) and poly(DMAEMA-BB) exhibited greater bactericidal activities than their precursory monomers, but poly(DMAEMA-DB) and poly(DMAEMA-HB) present contrary results.     

Development of Single-Stranded DNA Bisintercalating Inhibitors of Primase DnaG as Antibiotics

Many essential enzymes in bacteria remain promising potential targets of antibacterial agents. In this study, we discovered that dequalinium, a topical antibacterial agent, is an inhibitor of Staphylococcus aureus primase DnaG (SaDnaG) with low-micromolar minimum inhibitory concentrations against several S. aureus strains, including methicillin-resistant bacteria. Mechanistic studies of dequalinium and a series of nine of its synthesized analogues revealed that these compounds are single-stranded DNA bisintercalators that penetrate a bacterium by compromising its membrane. The best compound of this series likely interacts with DnaG directly, inhibits both staphylococcal cell growth and biofilm formation, and displays no significant hemolytic activity or toxicity to mammalian cells. This compound is an excellent lead for further development of a novel anti-staphylococcal therapeutic.     

Synthesis,characterization, and antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles on poly(GMA‐co‐EGDMA) polymer support

Poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (poly(GMA‐co‐EGDMA) macroporous copolymer decorated with silver nanoparticles was prepared by a modification of poly(GMA‐co‐EGDMA) in the reaction with arginine, and consequent reduction of silver ions with amino groups. The mercury intrusion porosimetry, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, UV–vis reflection spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission measurements were used to characterize obtained composite. The coordination of silver nanoparticles to the poly(GMA‐co‐EGDMA) copolymer was studied using infrared spectroscopy. Time dependence and concentration dependence of the antimicrobial efficiency of composite were tested against Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli , Gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus , and fungus Candida albicans . The composite ensured maximum reduction of both bacteria, while the fungi reduction reached satisfactory 96.8%. Preliminary antimicrobial efficiency measurements using laboratory flow setup indicated potential applicability of composite for wastewater treatment. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1206–1214, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Study of Antibacterial Activity of Metal Nanoparticle Absorbed Fly‐Ash based Ceramics

The bactericidal action of silver nanoparticles has been observed by many researchers since few years. In this study, we have developed an antibacterial ceramics (ACs) by absorbing synthesized silver nanoparticles within the ceramic matrix developed by us from an abundantly available coal fly ash, an extremely hazardous by‐product of thermal power plants. Nanoparticles dispersions of different particle sizes were made absorbed in to the ceramic matrix to evaluate its bactericidal activity against both Staphylococcus aureus (Gram‐positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram‐negative) bacteria, taken as the model microorganisms. This study showed that the total bactericidal action of ACs depends on the size of absorbed nanoparticles and the content of nanoparticles in the dispersions within the ceramic matrix. ACs thus developed release very slowly a minute amount of nanoparticles and show strong and prolonged bactericidal activity against pathogenic strain of both types of bacteria. The concentration of prepared nanoparticles in dispersion and the concentration of released nanoparticles in aqueous medium from the absorbed ceramic matrix were measured using inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometer. The mechanism of the antibacterial action was also studied using transmission electron microscopy image analysis of the bacterial cross‐section of both types of bacteria.     

The Antibacterial Activity of Ta-doped ZnO Nanoparticles

A novel photocatalyst of Ta-doped ZnO nanoparticles was prepared by a modified Pechini-type method. The antimicrobial study of Ta-doped ZnO nanoparticles on several bacteria of Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) were performed using a standard microbial method. The Ta-doping concentration effect on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of various bacteria under dark ambient has been evaluated. The photocatalytical inactivation of Ta-doped ZnO nanoparticles under visible light irradiation was examined. The MIC results indicate that the incorporation of Ta⁵⁺ ions into ZnO significantly improve the bacteriostasis effect of ZnO nanoparticles on E. coli, S. aureus, and B. subtilis in the absence of light. Compared to MIC results without light irradiation, Ta-doped ZnO and pure ZnO nanoparticles show much stronger bactericidal efficacy on P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. aureus under visible light illumination. The possible antimicrobial mechanisms in Ta-doped ZnO systems under visible light and dark conditions were also proposed. Ta-doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibit more effective bactericidal efficacy than pure ZnO in dark ambient, which can be attributed to the synergistic effect of enhanced surface bioactivity and increased electrostatic force due to the incorporation of Ta⁵⁺ ions into ZnO. Based on the antibacterial tests, 5 % Ta-doped ZnO is a more effective antimicrobial agent than pure ZnO.     

Antibacterial activity of silver‐doped manganese dioxide nanoparticles on multidrug‐resistant bacteria

BACKGROUND: As a result of evolution of multiple drug resistance in human pathogens (bacteria) there is increasing demand for novel antibacterial agents, and recently, due to their high antibacterial and catalytic activities, metal nanoparticles have attracted the attention of researchers and medical microbiologists worldwide. RESULTS: Ni‐, Ce‐ and Ag‐doped MnO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by a co‐precipitation method. Antibacterial activity of these synthesized nanoparticles on methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and lead‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 4EA was investigated using a disc diffusion method. Only Ag‐doped MnO₂ nanoparticles showed an antibacterial property against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and lead‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 4EA at low levels of 60 µg/disc and 85 µg/disc, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (SEM‐TEM) coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis revealed the nano‐size and composition of these synthesized nanoparticles. CONCLUSION: It was confirmed through a disc diffusion method that chemically synthesized silver doped MnO₂ nanoparticles have antibacterial activity against multidrug‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and lead‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 4EA at low levels therefore these nanoparticles can be employed to fight and prevent infections caused by multidrug‐resistant bacterial pathogens. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antibacterial carbon dots derived from polyethylene glycol/polyethyleneimine with potent anti-friction performance as water-based lubrication additives

Carbon dots (CDs) are obtained from polyethylene glycol and polyethyleneimine by a simple hydrothermal method at 200°C. The water dispersion of CDs (0.2 wt%) remains transparent even after standing for a month. Next, the tribological properties of CDs as water lubricating additives are evaluated by multifunctional micro-friction tester. Specifically, after adding 0.2 wt% of CDs, the mean friction coefficient and wear volume of water-based lubrication are reduced by 59.77 and 57.97%, respectively. Meanwhile, the antibacterial properties of CDs are evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentrations test, long-lasting antibacterial stability, and biological scanning electron microscopy experiment. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of CDs against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are 62.5 and 15.56 μg ml⁻¹, respectively. And the result show that, after co-cultivation with CDs, the integrity of the bacteria is seriously destroyed, which accelerates the leakage of the cell contents and eventually leads to the death of bacteria. More importantly, the antibacterial performance can be maintained stably at least for 1 month even if the continuously adding of bacterial suspensions. Therefore, as an advanced lubricating additive with antibacterial and anti-friction functions, the prepared CDs have a bright future in the field of water lubrication.     

Quaternarized cationic poly[(vinyl chloride)-co-(vinyl chloroacetate)] binary copolymer as non-migration antibacterial additive in PVC matrix

Antibacterial polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials have drawn considerable attention since their wide application in medical devices. The objective of this study is to develop a novel quaternary ammonium cationic vinyl chloride copolymer, which can be potentially used as antibacterial additive in PVC matrix. Initially, the low average-number molecular weight poly[(vinyl chloride)-co-(vinyl chloroacetate)] (PVC-co-PVCA) is synthesized by precipitation copolymerization. Subsequently, quaternary ammonium cationic moieties with different lengths of alkyl chains are introduced into the copolymers via quaternization reaction between alkyl-dimethyl tertiary amines with acyl chloride groups. The successful synthesis of PVC-co-PVCA and quaternarized copolymers are carefully confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The antibacterial behaviors of the quaternarized copolymers and its blends with PVC are investigated. The results reveal that all the PVC blends containing at least 5% by weight of quaternarized copolymer have superior bacteriostasis ratio (>99.6%) against both Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) due to the incorporation of quaternary ammonium groups. Meanwhile, the cationic copolymer exhibits excellent antifouling and much lower migration rate (<0.4%). These interesting consequences endow the quaternarized copolymers as alternative antibacterial agents possess a great deal of potential for use in PVC materials.     

Antibacterial Activities of Five Cationic Gemini Surfactants with Ethylene Glycol Bisacetyl Spacers

A series of cationic gemini surfactants containing two dimethylalkylammonium chains linked by ethylene glycol bisacetyl spacers were synthesized [G_m‐AnA‐m, G = gemini surfactant, m = 12 (–C₁₂H₂₅), 14 (–C₁₄H₂₉), or 16 (–C₁₆H₃₃), A = acetyl, and n = 2, 3, or 4 is the number of ethylene glycol units in the spacers]. Because of the inductive effect of the oxygen atom in the spacer, acylation can take place using chloroacetyl chloride instead of bromoacetyl bromide which helps to limit the use of environmentally harmful reagents. Critical micelle concentrations were determined using conductivity measurements. The antibacterial activities of the surfactants against Gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli were evaluated from the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bacterial concentration, a time–kill study, and the inhibitory zone. Increasing the length of the spacer did not result in an obvious change of antibacterial activity. However, increasing the length of the alkyl chain apparently increased the antibacterial activity against S. aureus but decreased the antibacterial activity against E. coli. The G_{12‐A2A‐12} surfactant had the lowest CMC of 1.26 mmol L^?1 and exhibited the best antibacterial activity with a MIC of 32 μg mL^?1 toward S. aureus and 64 μg mL^?1 toward E. coli in the presence of 10⁵ CFU of bacteria. This work indicated that these cationic gemini surfactants have potential applications as antibacterial agents and emulsifiers.     

Antimicrobial and biodegradable materials based on ε-caprolactone derivatives

Appropriate wound care is pivotal in preventing wound and postsurgery infections, which remain a serious clinical problem. In this study, we report the successful fabrication of antimicrobial and biodegradable materials for possible use in the medical field. Amino functionalized polycaprolactone (PCL [Poly(CL-co-ACL)]) was synthesized via ring opening polymerization. This polymer was then functionalized via the pendant amine to induce antimicrobial efficacy. This was done through the grafting of poly(lysine) onto the amine as well as the quaternization of the amine using alkyl halides. The chemical structures of the synthesized monomers and polymers were confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR) spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The molecular weights of the polymers were determined using gel permeation chromatography. Nanofibre scaffolds were produced from the polymers using the electrospinning technique and these were characterized though scanning electron microscopy. The antimicrobial efficacy of the fabricated materials was tested against the Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) bacteria using the disc diffusion and shake flask methods. The polymers demonstrated excellent antimicrobial efficacy. The fibers were exceptionally biodegradable which opens a lot of applications in the biomedical space.     

Zwitterionic‐polymer‐functionalized poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) nanofiber membrane for resistance to the adsorption of bacteria and protein

A zwitterionic poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) (PVA‐co‐PE) nanofiber membrane for resistance to bacteria and protein adsorption was fabricated by the atom transfer radical polymerization of sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA). The PVA‐co‐PE nanofiber membrane was first surface‐activated by α‐bromoisobutyryl bromide, and then, zwitterionic SBMA was initiated to polymerize onto the surface of nanofiber membrane. The chemical structures of the functionalized PVA‐co‐PE nanofiber membranes were confirmed by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphologies of the PVA‐co‐PE nanofiber membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) was successfully grafted onto the PVA‐co‐PE nanofiber membrane, and the surface of the nanofiber membrane was more hydrophilic than that of the pristine membrane. Furthermore, the antibacterial adsorption properties and resistance to protein adsorption of the surface were investigated. This indicated that the PSBMA‐functionalized surface possessed good antibacterial adsorption activity and resistance to nonspecific protein adsorption. Therefore, this study afforded a convenient and promising method for preparing a new kind of soft and nonwoven dressing material with antibacterial adsorption and antifouling properties that has potential use in the medical field. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 44169.