More than 60% of bacterial infections currently treated in hospitals are related to the formation of biofilms, which are bacterial communities encased in a self-produced hydrated polymeric matrix. In this study, nanoscale capsules (NCs) made of plant polyphenols have been sonochemically generated and/or loaded with antimicrobials. Thereafter, these nanocarriers were enzymatically grafted on pre-aminated medical grade silicone. In a second step, the polyphenolic NCs were co-polymerize with zwitterionic vinyl moieties using laccase enzyme. As a result, a multifunctional surface was obtained combining: i) antibacterial activity of polyphenols, ii) anti-biofilm formation properties resulting from zwitterionic moieties and iii) potential drug delivery from the phenolic capsules. The successful generation of NCs and subsequent grafting on silicone and functionalization were evaluated by means of chemical, physical and spectroscopic techniques, while the efficiency of the resulting surfaces against biofilm formation was assessed in vitro against Gram� and Gram+ bacteria.

Combined antimicrobial/antifouling coatings using zwitterion-decorated phenolic nano-capsules

245th National Meeting (2013)

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