As antimicrobial resistance to common antibiotics spreads it is important we develop sensor systems capable of detecting, and signalling, the presence of infectious diseases. For several years we have been developing a fluorescence trigger system that will respond selectively to the presence of bacteria.<br/><br/>Incorporation of bacterial binding ligands onto highly branched materials forms a bacterial-triggered stimuli responsive material. Polymer chain ends become capable of binding onto bacteria cell walls and this triggers the solvated globule to collapse - a process we can measure using a range of fluorescence sensors. Most importantly these compounds can be used as functional additives in the preparation of materials - giving us bacteria-binding surfaces that can pull bacterial biofilms onto their surface.<br/><br/>This poster will show recent advances in the development, monitoring and incorporation of these materials. A range of fluorescence tags have been used to track the process and demonstrate bacterial attachment to the surface.

Snatching bacteria out of biofilms using the power of polymer desolvation

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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