Soft surface science and engineering in the context of this work emphasizes coatings (~50 mm, bulk) rather than nanofilms Nanosurface (1-2 nm) modification is obtained by a blend approach using a commodity bulk polymer and a tailored polymer surface modifier. Targets for this work are antimicrobial effectiveness with cytocompatibility, stability, and economy. These criteria are essential for transformation of conventional polymers into “soft” biomaterials for biomedical applications. Polyurethanes with brush-like soft blocks having PEG and quaternary side chains are used to modify conventional polyurethanes. One physical criterion is stability of nanosurface quaternary charge density monitored by zeta potentials. Interestingly, the zeta potential for the modified coating is about 100 mV higher than the control polyurethane. Following these measurements an ASTM E2149 - 13a Standard Test Method for Determining the Antimicrobial Activity of Antimicrobial Agents Under Dynamic Contact Conditions was carried out (Figure). A &gt;5 log reduction was typical against challenges of E. coli. An in vitro test in the presence of a human cell line demonstrated good biocompatibility. Taken together, a body of evidence is being acquired to support our model for development of Antimicrobial-But-Cytocompatible (ABC) nanosurfaces on conventional polymers used in biomedical applications. The significance of this work lies in a new approach that avoids antibiotic and biocide resistant bacteria or “super bugs”. In this regard, a challenge of future work is showing that bacteria do not develop resistance to ABC modified nanosurfaces.

Nanostructural design, synthesis and characterization of antimicrobial and cytocompatible polymer surfaces

255th National Meeting (2018)

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