Healthcare associated infections (HAIs), largely caused by bacterial biofilms, affect up to 3.2% of hospital inpatients. It has been shown, however, that treatment of bacterial biofilms with bacteriophages can devastate the bacterial population. As a result, a bacteriophage coating for the surfaces of polymeric medical devices can viably prevent biofilm formation on the devices. This study establishes a methodology (1) for synthesizing this bacteriophage surface coating for polymeric surfaces via a plasma surface functionalization with maleic anhydride (MA) and (2) for the subsequent covalent anchoring of bacteriophages to the functionalized surface via a carbodiimide coupling reaction. For the initial surface functionalization with maleic anhydride, the effectiveness of two alternate plasma reactors was analyzed via attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR): microwave (MFr, ν =2.45 GHz) and radio-wave (RFr, ν = 13.56 MHz) initiated plasma reactors. MFr plasma has previously been demonstrated to be effective, but comparison of the surface functionalization of the MFr plasma to that of the RFr plasma demonstrated that the RFr plasma provided greater control over the process. To establish the effectiveness of RFr plasma functionalized surfaces in bacteriophage attachment, phi 11 bacteriophage coatings were produced and then analyzed via ATR-FTIR and plaque formation assays. Results demonstrate the following concerning antimicrobial bacteriophage coatings on polymeric surfaces: (1) they can be produced effectively using RFr plasma functionalized surfaces and (2) they prevent bacterial growth on the surfaces.

Antimicrobial functionalization of polymer surfaces via covalent attachment of bacteriophages

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.