Understanding the Photochemical Properties of Polythiophene Polyelectrolyte Soft Aggregates with Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate for Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

The threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is an ever-increasing problem in public health. In this report, we examine the photochemical properties with a proof-of-principle biocidal assay for a novel series of regio-regular imidazolium derivative poly-(3-hexylthiophene)/sodium dodecyl sulfate (P3HT-Im/SDS) materials from ultrafast sub-ps dynamics to μs generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 30 min biocidal reactivity with Escherichia coli (E. coli). This broad series encompassing pure P3HT-Im to cationic, neutral, and anionic P3HT-Im/SDS materials are all interrogated by a variety of techniques to characterize the physical material structure, electronic structure, and antimicrobial activity. Our results show that SDS complexation with P3HT-Im results in aggregate materials with reduced ROS generation and light-induced anti-microbial activity. However, our characterization reveals that the presence of non-aggregated or lightly SDS-covered polymer segments is still capable of ROS generation. Full encapsulation of the P3HT-Im polymer completely deactivates the light killing pathway. High SDS concentrations, near and above critical micelle concentration, further deactivate all anti-microbial activity (light and dark) even though the P3HT-Im regains its electronic properties to generate ROS.

High‐Performance Synaptic Phototransistor Using A Photoactive Self‐Assembled Layer toward Ultralow Energy Consumption

“…The corresponding lifetimes were 17, 10, and 12 ns for DPP, IID, and BDT, respectively, which might be attributed to the thermal relaxation of the triplet state and internal conversion of the singlet state. [ 43,44 ] Among all the molecules, the lifetime of IID was found to be the shortest, thereby leading to faster phototransition.…”

Modeling the Interplay of Conformational and Electronic Structure in Conjugated Polyelectrolytes

“…Conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) are a versatile polymer class characterized by π-conjugated backbones with pendant ionic side chains (Figure a). The coupled electronic and ionic functionality characteristic of CPEs has prompted their use in biological, sensing, optical, and electronic applications. − In dilute solutions and coacervates, CPEs’ conformation-dependent optical properties make them effective for the single molecule detection of oppositely charged biomolecules (e.g., DNA, ATP, and proteins) and as inks. , In semidilute or melt states, CPEs are effective mixed conductors and device interlayers, transporting electrons via their π-electron delocalized conjugated backbones and ions via their flexible side chains . This unique combination of functional properties has led to their incorporation into a variety of electronic devices, − with emerging interest in biointerfaceable devices where ion/electron transduction is required for sensing and treatment applications …”

Modeling the Interplay of Conformational and Electronic Structure in Conjugated Polyelectrolytes

“…The coupled electronic and ionic functionality characteristic of CPEs has prompted their use in biological, sensing, optical, and electronic applications. [1][2][3] In dilute solutions and coacervates, CPEs' conformation dependent optical properties make them effective for the single molecule detection of oppositely charged biomolecules (e.g. DNA, ATP, proteins) and as inks.…”