Dual‐Mechanism Antimicrobial Polymer–ZnO Nanoparticle and Crystal Violet‐Encapsulated Silicone

Abstract

The prevalence of healthcare-associated infection caused by multidrugresistant bacteria is of critical concern worldwide. It is reported on the development of a bactericidal surface prepared by use of a simple, upscalable, two-step dipping strategy to incorporate crystal violet and di(octyl)-phosphinic-acid-capped zinc oxide nanoparticles into medical grade silicone, as a strategy to reduce the risk of infection. The material is characterized by UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confi rmed the incorporation of the ZnO nanoparticles in the polymer. The novel system proves to be a highly versatile bactericidal material when tested against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , key causative micro-organisms for hospitalacquired infection (HAI). Potent antimicrobial activity is noted under dark conditions, with a signifi cant enhancement exhibits when the surfaces are illuminated with a standard hospital light source. This polymer has the potential to decrease the risk of HAI, by killing bacteria in contact with the surface.

Superior performance of macroporous over gel type polystyrene as a support for the development of photo-bactericidal materials

“…aPDI can be applied using soluble 12 or supported photosensitizers. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] A broad number of chemical families have been proposed as effective generators of ROS, especially singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ). 21 Among those molecules, xanthenic dyes, phenothiazinium compounds, porphyrins and phthalocyanins have been studied.…”

“…[24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] Regarding the supports for the photoactive agents, a variety of materials have been described in the literature, like polyurethane, cellulose, nylon, chitosan, silica and polystyrene. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] This last polymer is one of the most popular supports employed so far, dating back to the pioneering works of Schaap and Neckers. 36 Polystyrene is a versatile system, used in applications as diverse as fluorescence sensing 37 or catalysis.…”

Enhancing the Antibacterial Activity of Light-Activated Surfaces Containing Crystal Violet and ZnO Nanoparticles: Investigation of Nanoparticle Size, Capping Ligand, and Dopants

“…9 Common photosensitizers used to destroy cancerous tissues include Rose Bengal, 10,11 methylene blue, 8,12−16 and crystal violet (CV). 17−22 These photosensitizers can be coated onto polymers, and upon light activation, they generate ROS, causing oxidative damage and cell death. 21 We have previously reported a detailed description of the photochemical mechanisms involved in PDT.…”

White Light-Activated Antimicrobial Paint using Crystal Violet

“…In addition, the dyes have somewhat lower or no antimicrobial activity in the absence of light [49][50][51] . The antimicrobial activity of CV, TBO, and MB dyes is dependent on their concentration, the exposure time, and the intensity of the light source 52,53 . Recent studies from our group have investigated the application of CV, TBO, and MB dyes to polymers to generate antimicrobial surfaces for use in medical devices including tracheal or urinary catheters and tubes for intravenous drips 54,55 .…”