On-Demand Electrical Switching of Antibody-Antigen Binding on Surfaces

Nanoarchitectonics of Electrically Activable Phosphonium Self-Assembled Monolayers to Efficiently Kill and Tackle Bacterial Infections on Demand

Prosthetic implants are widely used in dentistry and orthopedics and, as a result, infections can occur which cause their removal. Therefore, it is essential to propose methods of eradicating the bacteria that remain on the prosthesis during treatment. For this purpose, it is necessary to develop surfaces whose antibacterial activity can be controlled. Herein, we designed innovative and smart phosphonium self-assembled monolayer (SAM) interfaces that can be electrically activated on demand for controlling bacterial contaminations on solid surfaces. Upon electroactivation with a low potential (0.2 V for 60 min., conditions determined through a DOE), a successful stamping out of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains was obtained with SAM-modified titanium surfaces, effectively killing 95% of Staphylococcus aureus and 90% Klebsiellapneumoniae. More importantly, no toxicity towards eukaryotic cells was observed which further enhances the biocompatible character of these novel surfaces for further implementation.

Reorientation of Polymers in an Applied Electric Field for Electrochemical Sensors

This mini review investigates the relationship and interactions of polymers under an applied electric field (AEF) for sensor applications. Understanding how and why polymers are reoriented and manipulated by under an AEF is essential for future growth in polymer-based electrochemical sensors. Examples of polymers that can be manipulated in an AEF for sensor applications are provided. Current methods of monitoring polymer reorientation will be described, but new techniques are needed characterize polymer response to various AEF stimuli. The unique and reproducible stimuli response of polymers elicited by an AEF has significant potential for growth in the sensing community.