Flexible Antibacterial Film Based on Conjugated Polyelectrolyte/Silver Nanocomposites

Abstract

In this work, we report a flexible film based on conjugated polyelectrolyte/silver nanocomposites with efficient antibacterial activity. A flexible poly(dimethylsiloxane) film served as a substrate for deposition of nanostructured silver. A light-activated antibacterial agent, based on the cationic conjugated polyelectrolyte poly({9,9-bis[6'-(N,N-trimethylamino)hexyl]-2,7-fluorenyleneethynylene}-alt-co-1,4-(2,5-dimethoxy)phenylene)dibromide (PFEMO) was self-assembled on the negatively charged substrate. By changing the thickness of the poly(l-lysine)/poly(acrylic acid) multilayers between the metal substrate and PFEMO, we obtained concomitant enhancement of PFEMO fluorescence, phosphorescence, and reactive oxygen species generation. These enhancements were induced by surface plasmon resonance effects of the Ag nanoparticles, which overlapped the PFEMO absorption band. Owing to the combination of enhanced bactericidal effects and good flexibility, these films have great potential for use as novel biomaterials for preventing bacterial infections.

Antibacterial films with enhanced physical properties based on poly (vinyl alcohol) and halogen aminated‐graphene oxide

“…The polymer films are often susceptible to bacterial fouling, which greatly hinders the utilization of films. [15][16][17][18] Antimicrobial modification of films is highly desirable to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. A large volume of research work has demonstrated that graphene-based materials present antibacterial property owing to membrane puncture induced by the sharp edges of graphene nanosheets and supported by the oxidative stress mechanism, [19][20][21] among which GO showed the best biocidal efficacy.…”

Fluorescent Platforms Based on Organic Molecules for Chemical and Biological Detection

“…Excited fluorescent conjugated polymers can sensitize oxygen to generate ROS for photodynamic anti‐bacteria. We developed a flexible MEF platform based on AgNP and CP PFEMO that showed efficient antibacterial activity, as shown in Figure a and b . The spectra of the SPR overlapped mainly with the absorption of CP PFEMO, indicating an excitation enhancement of the MEF (Figure c).…”

“…Enhanced fluorescence (d), phosphorescence (e), ROS generation (f), and bacterial killing efficiency (g) of PFEMO on the MEF platform. Reproduced with permission . Copyright 2017, American Chemical Society.…”

“…[119] During the interactions of fluorescent molecules and targets in the system, Reproduced with permission. [120] Copyright 2017, American Chemical Society.…”

“…We developed a flexible MEF platform based on AgNP and CP PFEMO that showed efficient antibacterial activity, as shown in Figure 8a and b. [120] The spectra of the SPR overlapped mainly with the absorption of CP PFEMO, indicating an excitation enhancement of the MEF (Figure 8c). Both the PFEMO fluorescence and phosphorescence were enhanced (Figure 8d and e).…”