Bacterial infections are of increased concern due to development of antibiotic resistant strains. This trend is coupled with decreased introduction of new antibiotics. In favorable cases, polycations are strongly biocidal without buildup of resistance. However, limited progress toward development of polycation therapeutics is understood given (1) wide variability for antimicrobial effectiveness (2) uncertain cytotoxicity and (3) new drug development costs that can exceed $1 billion. Recently, we have reported new C12-m copolyoxetane polycations having PEG-like and quaternary side chains. Unlike most previously reported polycations, G+/- antimicrobial effectiveness is found over a relatively broad compositional range (m = 40-60). Furthermore, these copolyoxetanes are cytocompatible; for example, less than 10% RBC cell death is observed for C12-50 even at concentrations well above the minimal inhibitory concentration. Given these encouraging results, we have explored feasibility for tethering these brush-like polycations to a polymer surface via newly developed hybrid surface modification. Initial results after modification of a conventional polyurethane suggest < 2 wt% polycation introduces highly effective contact kill against spray challenges of G+/- pathogenic bacteria. Preliminary results suggest good cytocompatibility. This is the first time that solution and surface activity has been demonstrated for the same polycation species. These findings open the door to a range of coatings applications for medical devices. *The authors are grateful for support from the National Science Foundation, Division of Materials Research, Grants DMR-0802452 and DMR-1206259.

Polycation antimicrobials: Comparison of biocidal effectiveness and cytocompatibility in solution vs. tethered as surface modifiers for coatings

248th National Meeting (2014)

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