Antibacterial Films Based on PVA and PVA–Chitosan Modified with Poly(Hexamethylene Guanidine)

Abstract

In this study, thin, polymeric films consisting of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chitosan (Ch) with the addition of poly(hexamethylene guanidine) (PHMG) were successfully prepared. The obtained materials were analyzed to determine their physicochemical and biocidal properties. In order to confirm the structure of PHMG, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) was applied, while in the case of the obtained films, attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform (FTIR-ATR) was used. The surface morphology of the polymer films was evaluated based on atomic force microscopy. Furthermore, the mechanical properties, color changes, and thermal stability of the obtained materials were determined. Microbiological tests were performed to evaluate the biocidal properties of the new materials with and without the addition of PHMG. These analyses confirmed the biocidal potential of films modified by PHMG and allowed for comparisons of their physicochemical properties with the properties of native films. In summary, films consisting of PVA and PHMG displayed higher antimicrobial potentials against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria in comparison to PVA:Ch-based films with the addition of PHMG.

Antibacterial and Antiviral Functional Materials: Chemistry and Biological Activity toward Tackling COVID-19-like Pandemics

“…In another study, Olewnik-Kruszkowska varied the poly(hexamethylene guanidine) (PHMG) content in PVA–chitosan and PVA polymeric films. 180 The surface energies of the film decreased with the addition of chitosan in PVA. While PVA has a surface energy of 39.10 ± 1.12 mJ m –2 , it decreased to 37.07 ± 0.32 mJ m –2 with the presence of chitosan which is due to the diversion of the polar groups of the chain inside of the film.…”

“… 49 , 178 , 179 The most important properties of PVA is hydrophilicity due to the enormous hydroxyl groups in the main chain along with biocompatibility, biodegradability, good chemical resistance, high crystallinity, and film-forming properties makes it a suitable candidate to use as an additive for biological applications. 180 , 181 …”

Development and Characterization of Hemicellulose-Based Films for Antibacterial Wound-Dressing Application

“…A simple method of preparation, excellent WVTR, transparency, and cost effectiveness are the attributes of good film dressings [18,19].Numerous synthetic and natural polymers and combinations thereof have been explored for making film dressings. Among the natural polymers chitosan, gelatin, alginate, pectin, and cellulose have shown promise for this purpose [12,13,15,[20][21][22]. However, insufficient mechanical strength, stability, poor exudate-absorbing capacity, and adherence with wound site are the major limitations associated with natural polymer-based films [16].…”

Examining the Impact of Squaric Acid as a Crosslinking Agent on the Properties of Chitosan-Based Films

“…One of the popular techniques is the CIE Lab system. This method was also applied in the case of other materials, which were the object of our previous studies [ 58 ]. Based on the values of the measured parameters L, a, and b, the ∆E parameter was calculated ( Table 3 ).…”

“…Particular characteristics were described using the following parameters: L—lightness, a—colors ranging from green (−a) to red (+a), and b—colors ranging from blue (−b) to yellow (+b). The color of the studied materials was expressed as L (lightness), a (redness/greenness), and b (yellowness/blueness) values [ 58 ]. Chitosan film without an addition of squaric acid was used as a reference sample ( , , and values).…”