One-Step Curable, Covalently Immobilized Coating for Clinically Relevant Surfaces That Can Kill Bacteria, Fungi, and Influenza Virus

Abstract

Microbial attachment and subsequent colonization onto surfaces lead to the spread of deadly community-acquired and hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections. Cationic polymeric coatings have gained enormous attention to tackle this scenario. However, non-biodegradable cationic polymer coated surfaces suffer from accumulation of microbial debris leading to toxicity and consequent complexities. Synthetic reproducibility and sophisticated coating techniques further limit their application. In this present study, we have developed one-step curable, covalent coatings based on two organo- and water-soluble small molecules, quaternary benzophenone-based ester and quaternary benzophenone-based amide, which can cross-link on surfaces upon UV irradiation. Upon contact, the coating completely killed bacteria and fungi in vitro including drug-resistant pathogens methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans spp. The coating also showed antiviral activity against notorious influenza virus with 100% killing. The coated surfaces also killed stationary-phase cells of MRSA, which cannot be eradicated by traditional antibiotics. Upon hydrolysis, the surfaces switched to an antifouling state displaying significant reduction in bacterial adherence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an antimicrobial coating which could kill all of bacteria, fungi, and influenza virus. Taken together, the antimicrobial coating reported herein holds great promise to be developed for further application in healthcare settings.

Nanotechnology-Based Self-Sterilizing Surfaces and Their Potential in Combating COVID-19

“…Nanosized covalent coatings based on quaternary benzophenone-based esters and quaternary benzophenone-based amides cross-link on surfaces when exposed to UV radiation [ 16 ]. In this study, microbes, including drug-resistant pathogens, underwent incapacitation on contacting these nanosized coatings, with 100% inhibition achieved for influenza virus.…”

Polymeric paint coated common-touch surfaces that can kill bacteria, fungi and influenza virus

“…The activity of the surfaces was tested following our previously published protocol. [19] Clinically isolated drug-resistant strains of MRSA and E. coli, namely MRSA R3545 and E. coli R3336 were grown in nutrient broth for 6 h at 37°C with constant shaking to obtain mid-log phase bacterial cells. The bacterial solutions were then diluted in saline to attain a cell concentration of ~ 10 6 CFU/mL.…”

“…[16] Several groups have developed covalent grafting techniques to attach antimicrobial polymers comprising quaternary ammonium moeities to different surfaces. [17][18][19] In another approach, researchers have developed an alternative method to coat surfaces through physical deposition or non-covalent attachment of cationic polymers. [20][21][22][23][24][25] Our group has reported the development of an organo-soluble, hydrophobic, quaternary polyethyleneimine (PEI)-based antimicrobial paint.…”

Recent breakthroughs of antibacterial and antiviral protective polymeric materials during COVID-19 pandemic and after pandemic: Coating, packaging, and textile applications

“…Human infections (almost 80%) can be transmitted through contaminated surfaces to bacterial, fungi, and viral. Especially during the COVID-19 epidemic, it is necessary to provide antimicrobial coatings to control and prevent its spread [ 28 ]. On the other side, hospital infections are a threat to global healthcare.…”

“…So far, polymeric systems for the preparation of coatings, membranes, and surfaces to fight against bacteria, viral, and fungi have been widely reported. Here are some of the latest developments: Haldar et al [ 28∗ ] reported an antimicrobial covalent coating to kill bacteria, fungi, and influenza viruses on clinical surfaces. For this aim, using UV irradiation, water-soluble quaternary benzophenone-based ester and amide were covalently immobilized on surpasses such as cotton sheets and polyurethane via dip-coating and drop-casting methods.…”