Bactericidal effect of cationic hydrogels prepared from hydrophilic polymers

Abstract

This study investigated whether hydrogels comprising hydrophilic cationic polymers have similar bactericidal effects. Bacteria were seeded on hydrogels and agar and their viability was assessed with time. Cationic hydrogels displayed bactericidal effects upon long‐term bacterial contact. Furthermore, we assessed the areal density of cationic monomer unit of the cationic hydrogels, water content, and the initial elastic modulus. We examined correlations between each factor and bacterial death ratios; consequently, the bacterial death ratios were strongly correlated with the areal density of cationic hydrogel monomers. Elastic energy (Wel) generated at the cytomembrane ion‐binding region and the cationic hydrogel and the cytomembrane interfacial energy (Wf) were estimated; consequently, Wel exceeded Wf at higher contact areas. The cationic hydrogel may extract cytomembranes with a reasonable adsorption area. Therefore, cationic hydrogels may be used as probes for ultrasonic echo to sterilize medical equipment.

Chitin-Based Double-Network Hydrogel as Potential Superficial Soft-Tissue-Repairing Materials

“…As the results shown here, it was reasonable to conclude that the DN hydrogel had good bacterial resistance. The bacteriostatic and bactericidal capacity of chitin hydrogels was originated from the electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged cell wall of the bacteria and the protonated amino groups fixed on the surface of DN hydrogels, but because of the localized chitin molecules on the surface of the DN hydrogel, there was a time gap for the bacteria between its contact with the hydrogel surface and interaction with chitin molecules . Unlike diffusible antibiotics and chemicals with a strong positive charge such as silver ions, zinc ions, chitosan oligomer and its derivatives, and tetraalkylammonium salts, their strong antibacterial activity might serve in a short term relative to their dose level, which would be used as emergency disinfection.…”

“…The bacteriostatic and bactericidal capacity of chitin hydrogels was originated from the electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged cell wall of the bacteria and the protonated amino groups fixed on the surface of DN hydrogels, 73 but because of the localized chitin molecules on the surface of the DN hydrogel, there was a time gap for the bacteria between its contact with the hydrogel surface and interaction with chitin molecules. 74 Unlike diffusible antibiotics and chemicals with a strong positive charge such as silver ions, zinc ions, chitosan oligomer and its derivatives, and tetraalkylammonium salts, their strong antibacterial activity might serve in a short term relative to their dose level, which would be used as emergency disinfection. Compared to the above chemicals, the relative low inhibition rate and long killing time of the DN hydrogel in this work demonstrated a mild antibacterial capacity, but it also suggested the possible long-term antibacterial activity, which might be beneficial in a long therapeutic procedure.…”

Research Progress on Hydrogel–Elastomer Adhesion

“…Hydrogels with varying structures and chemical compounds have different characteristics, including excellent transparency [ 1 ], high water content [ 2 ], excellent electrical conductivity [ 3 ], biocompatibility [ 4 ], biodegradability [ 5 ], etc. The unique characteristics of elastomers include stability in a variety of environments, mechanical solidity [ 6 ], and water resistance [ 7 ].…”