Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy by Zn(II)-Curcumin Complex: Synthesis, Characterization, DFT Calculation, Antibacterial Activity, and Molecular Docking

The increase in antibacterial drug resistance is threatening global health conditions. Recently, antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has emerged as an effective antibacterial treatment with high cure gain. In this work, three Zn(II) complexes viz., [Zn(en)(acac)Cl] (1), [Zn(bpy)(acac)Cl] (2), [Zn(en)(cur)Cl] (3), where en=ethylenediamine (1 and 3), bpy=2,2'-bipyridine (2), acac=acetylacetonate (1 and 2), cur=curcumin monoanionic (3) were developed as aPDT agents. Complexes 1-3 were synthesized and fully characterized using NMR, HRMS, FTIR, UV-Vis. and fluorescence spectroscopy. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap (Eg), and adiabatic splittings (ΔS1-T1 and ΔS0-T1 ) obtained from DFT calculation indicated the photosensivity of the complexes. These complexes have not shown any potent antibacterial activity under dark conditions but the antibacterial activity of these complexes was significantly enhanced upon light exposure (MIC value up to 0.025 μg/mL) due to their light-mediated 1 O2 generation abilities. The molecular docking study suggested that complexes 1-3 interact efficiently with DNA gyrase B (PDB ID: 4uro). Importantly, 1-3 did not show any toxicity toward normal HEK-293 cells. Overall, in this work, we have demonstrated the promising potential of Zn(II) complexes as effective antibacterial agents under the influence of visible light.

Performance comparison of photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy with visible-light-activated organic dyes: Rose bengal, crystal violet, methylene blue, and toluidine blue O

This study evaluated the photobiocidal performance of four widely distributed visible-light-activated (VLA) dyes against two bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli) and two bacteriophages (phages MS2 and phi 6): rose bengal (RB), crystal violet, methylene blue, and toluidine blue O (TBO). The photobiocidal performance of each dye depended on the relationship between the type of dye and microorganism. Gram-negative E. coli and the non-enveloped structure of phage MS2 showed more resistance to the photobiocidal reaction than Gram-positive S. epidermidis and the enveloped structure of phage phi 6. RB had the highest potential to yield reactive oxygen species. However, the photobiocidal performance of RB was dependent on the magnitude of the surface charge of the microorganisms; for example, anionic RB induced a negative surface charge and thus electrical repulsion. On the other hand, the photobiocidal performance of TBO was observed to be less affected by the microorganism type. The comparative results presented in our study have significant implications for selecting photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) dyes suitable for specific situations and purposes. Furthermore, they contribute to the advancement of PACT-related technologies by enhancing their applicability and scalability.

Evaluation of relative efficiency of PDT photosensitizers in producing hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen in aqueous media using a UV-visible spectroscopy pNDA dosage

In order to improve the performance of PDT, it is important to develop new photosensitizers that induce the formation of both hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen. In this work, we developed and validated the experimental conditions and reproducibility for the evaluation of relative efficiency of hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen production by studying the bleaching of p-nitrosoaniline (pNDA) using a continuous flow UV-visible spectroscopy method in presence of photosensitizers in PBS media. Rapid data sampling made possible to analyze the kinetics of the bleaching by using a mathematical modeling. The pNDA dosage is specific of hydroxyl radicals' production without l-histidine and of singlet oxygen production in presence of l-histidine. A statistical approach is used to precisely evaluate the reliability of the results and to be able to compare different photosensitizers between them such as Methylene Blue and Brillant Blue G.

Recent advances in engineered polymeric materials for efficient photodynamic inactivation of bacterial pathogens

Nowadays, infectious diseases persist as a global crisis by causing significant destruction to public health and the economic stability of countries worldwide. Especially bacterial infections remain a most severe concern due to the prevalence and emergence of multi-drug resistance (MDR) and limitations with existing therapeutic options. Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (APDT) is a potential therapeutic modality that involves the systematic administration of photosensitizers (PSs), light, and molecular oxygen (O₂) for coping with bacterial infections. Although the existing porphyrin and non-porphyrin PSs were effective in APDT, the poor solubility, limited efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria, and non-specific distribution hinder their clinical applications. Accordingly, to promote the efficiency of conventional PSs, various polymer-driven modification and functionalization strategies have been adopted to engineer multifunctional hybrid phototherapeutics. This review assesses recent advancements and state-of-the-art research in polymer-PSs hybrid materials developed for APDT applications. Further, the key research findings of the following aspects are considered in-depth with constructive discussions: i) PSs-integrated/functionalized polymeric composites through various molecular interactions; ii) PSs-deposited coatings on different substrates and devices to eliminate healthcare-associated infections; and iii) PSs-embedded films, scaffolds, and hydrogels for regenerative medicine applications.

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Synthetic strategies of engineered polymer-based hybrid materials integrated with photosensitizers for APDT.

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Utilization of photosensitizer-incorporated polymeric materials in health care applications.

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Challenges and opportunities in the future development of polymeric biomaterials with improved photo-bactericidal properties.

Transparent, Robust, and Photochemical Antibacterial Surface Based on Hydrogen Bonding between a Si-Al and Cationic Dye

Healthcare-associated infections can occur and spread through direct contact with contaminated fomites in a hospital, such as mobile phones, tablets, computer keyboards, doorknobs, and other surfaces. Herein, this study shows a transparent, robust, and visible light-activated antibacterial surface based on hydrogen bonds between a transparent silica-alumina (Si-Al) sol-gel and a visible light-activated photosensitizer, such as crystal violet (CV). The study of the bonding mechanisms revealed that hydrogen bonding predominantly occurs between the N of CV and Al-OH. Apart from CV, Si-Al can be combined with a variety of dyes, highlighting its potential for wide application. The Si-Al@CV film selectively generates singlet oxygen using ambient visible light, triggering potent photochemical antibacterial performance against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, the Si-Al@CV film is stable even after mechanical stability tests such as tape adhesion, scratch, bending, and water immersion. In vitro cytotoxicity tests using C2C12 myoblast cells showed that the Si-Al@CV film is a biocompatible material. This work suggests a new approach for designing a transparent and robust touchscreen surface with photochemical antibacterial capability against healthcare-associated infections.

Chemical Control of Mosquitoes and the Pesticide Treadmill: A Case for Photosensitive Insecticides as Larvicides

Insecticides reduce the spread of mosquito-borne disease. Over the past century, mosquito control has mostly relied on neurotoxic chemicals-such as pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbamates and organophosphates-that target adults. However, their persistent use has selected for insecticide resistance. This has led to the application of progressively higher amounts of insecticides-known as the pesticide treadmill-and negative consequences for ecosystems. Comparatively less attention has been paid to larvae, even though larval death eliminates a mosquito's potential to transmit disease and reproduce. Larvae have been targeted by source reduction, biological control, growth regulators and neurotoxins, but hurdles remain. Here, we review methods of mosquito control and argue that photoactive molecules that target larvae-called photosensitive insecticides or PSIs-are an environmentally friendly addition to our mosquitocidal arsenal. PSIs are ingested by larvae and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) when activated by light. ROS then damage macromolecules resulting in larval death. PSIs are degraded by light, eliminating environmental accumulation. Moreover, PSIs only harm small translucent organisms, and their broad mechanism of action that relies on oxidative damage means that resistance is less likely to evolve. Therefore, PSIs are a promising alternative for controlling mosquitoes in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Photobiocidal-triboelectric nanolayer coating of photosensitizer/silica-alumina for reusable and visible-light-driven antibacterial/antiviral air filters

Outbreaks of airborne pathogens pose a major threat to public health. Here we present a single-step nanocoating process to endow commercial face mask filters with photobiocidal activity, triboelectric filtration capability, and washability. These functions were successfully achieved with a composite nanolayer of silica-alumina (Si-Al) sol-gel, crystal violet (CV) photosensitizer, and hydrophobic electronegative molecules of 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (PFOTES). The transparent Si-Al matrix strongly immobilized the photosensitizer molecules while dispersing them spatially, thus suppressing self-quenching. During nanolayer formation, PFOTES was anisotropically rearranged on the Si-Al matrix, promoting moisture resistance and triboelectric charging of the Si-Al/PFOTES-CV (SAPC)-coated filter. The SAPC nanolayer stabilized the photoexcited state of the photosensitizer and promoted redox reaction. Compared to pure-photosensitizer-coated filters, the SAPC filter showed substantially higher photobiocidal efficiency (∼99.99 % for bacteria and a virus) and photodurability (∼83 % reduction in bactericidal efficiency for the pure-photosensitizer filter but ∼0.34 % for the SAPC filter after 72 h of light irradiation). Moreover, after five washes with detergent, the SAPC filter maintained its photobiocidal and filtration performance, proving its reusability potential. Therefore, this SAPC nanolayer coating provides a practical strategy for manufacturing an antimicrobial and reusable mask filter for use during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The evolution of clinical guidelines for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy of skin

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy has become an important component in the treatment of human infection. This review considers historical guidelines, and the scientific literature to envisage what future clinical guidelines for treating skin infection might include. Antibiotic resistance, vertical and horizontal infection control strategies and a range of technologies effective in eradicating microbes without building up new resistance are described. The mechanism of action of these treatments and examples of their clinical use are also included. The research recommendations of NICE Guidelines on the dermatological manifestations of microbial infection were also reviewed to identify potential applications for PDT. The resistance of some microbes to antibiotics can be halted, or even reversed through the use of supplementary drugs, and so they are likely to persist as a treatment of infection. Conventional PDT will undoubtedly continue to be used for a range of skin conditions given existing healthcare infrastructure and a large evidence base. Daylight PDT may find broader antimicrobial applications than just Acne and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, and Ambulatory PDT devices could become popular in regions where resources are limited or daylight exposure is not possible or inappropriate. Nanotheranostics were found to be highly relevant, and often include PDT, however, new treatments and novel applications and combinations of existing treatments will be subject to Clinical Trials.

Thermally Activated Upconversion with Metal-Free Sensitizers Enabling Exceptional Anti-Stokes Shift and Anti-counterfeiting Application

Photochemical upconversion (UC) via triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) has attracted considerable attention for its potential applications in solar energy conversion, photocatalysis, and bioimaging. Achieving a large anti-Stokes shift in photochemical UC is appealing but still a great challenge, especially for purely organic sensitizers. Here, we develop solid-state TTA UC systems with metal- and heavy atom-free dyes as the sensitizers, which sensitize the 9,10-diphenylanthracene acceptor through thermally activated triplet-triplet energy transfer. Solid-state UC emission with remarkable anti-Stokes shifts up to 1.10 eV is achieved owing to an evident enthalpy gain by the endothermic sensitization. The solid upconverter shows air-stable UC emission and potentials in dual-mode anti-counterfeiting and encryption applications. The present UC approach involving thermally activated sensitization enabled by purely organic dyes provides a versatile strategy to develop TTA UC materials with large anti-Stokes shift, air-tolerant emission, and environmental compatibility, which would have promising applications in information encryption, photochemical conversion, and bioimaging.

Two-photon activated precision molecular photosensitizer targeting mitochondria

Mitochondria metabolism is an emergent target for the development of novel anticancer agents. It is amply recognized that strategies that allow for modulation of mitochondrial function in specific cell populations need to be developed for the therapeutic potential of mitochondria-targeting agents to become a reality in the clinic. In this work, we report dipolar and quadrupolar quinolizinium and benzimidazolium cations that show mitochondria targeting ability and localized light-induced mitochondria damage in live animal cells. Some of the dyes induce a very efficient disruption of mitochondrial potential and subsequent cell death under two-photon excitation in the Near-infrared (NIR) opening up possible applications of azonia/azolium aromatic heterocycles as precision photosensitizers. The dipolar compounds could be excited in the NIR due to a high two-photon brightness while exhibiting emission in the red part of the visible spectra (600-700 nm). Interaction with the mitochondria leads to an unexpected blue-shift of the emission of the far-red emitting compounds, which we assign to emission from the locally excited state. Interaction and possibly aggregation at the mitochondria prevents access to the intramolecular charge transfer state responsible for far-red emission.

Photosensitization Reactions of Biomolecules: Definition, Targets and Mechanisms

Photosensitization reactions have been demonstrated to be largely responsible for the deleterious biological effects of UV and visible radiation, as well as for the curative actions of photomedicine. A large number of endogenous and exogenous photosensitizers, biological targets and mechanisms have been reported in the past few decades. Evolving from the original definitions of the type I and type II photosensitized oxidations, we now provide physicochemical frameworks, classifications and key examples of these mechanisms in order to organize, interpret and understand the vast information available in the literature and the new reports, which are in vigorous growth. This review surveys in an extended manner all identified photosensitization mechanisms of the major biomolecule groups such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids bridging the gap with the subsequent biological processes. Also described are the effects of photosensitization in cells in which UVA and UVB irradiation triggers enzyme activation with the subsequent delayed generation of superoxide anion radical and nitric oxide. Definitions of photosensitized reactions are identified in biomolecules with key insights into cells and tissues.

Penetration of Singlet Oxygen into Films with Oxygen Permeability Coefficient Close to that of Skin

Although its antiviral and antibacterial functions help prevent infection, singlet oxygen (¹ O₂ )-which is generated by the action of light on an endogenous photosensitizer-is cytotoxic. In the present study, we investigated the ability of ¹ O₂ -generated by the action of visible light on a photosensitizer-to penetrate skin. We used two polymer films with oxygen permeability coefficients similar to that of skin-i.e. cellulose acetate (CA) and ethyl cellulose (EC). Both films contained 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF), which was used as an ¹ O₂ probe. ¹ O₂ generated externally did not permeate the films by mere contact. Therefore, we conclude that the potential for ¹ O₂ to penetrate the skin is very low, and films that generate ¹ O₂ are safe and useful for preventing infections by contact. We also proved that ¹ O₂ can move between the layers of integrated polymer films when they are joined together.

Self-Sterilizing 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid Surfaces Coated with a BODIPY Photosensitizer

Herein, we report the use of polylactic acid coated with a halogenated BODIPY photosensitizer (PS) as a novel self-sterilizing, low-cost, and eco-friendly material activated with visible light. In this article, polymeric surfaces were 3D-printed and treated with the PS using three simple methodologies: spin coating, aerosolization, and brush dispersion. Our studies showed that the polymeric matrix remains unaffected upon addition of the PS, as observed by dynamic mechanical analysis, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, the photophysical and photodynamic properties of the dye remained intact after being adsorbed on the polymer. This photoactive material can be reused and was successfully inactivating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in planktonic media for at least three inactivation cycles after short-time light exposure. A real-time experiment using a fluorescence microscope showed how bacteria anchored to the antimicrobial surface were inactivated within 30 min using visible light and low energy. Moreover, the material effectively eradicated these two bacterial strains on the first stage of biofilm formation, as elucidated by SEM. Unlike other antimicrobial approaches that implement a dissolved PS or non-sustainable materials, we offer an accessible green and economic alternative to acquire self-sterilizing surfaces with any desired shape.

Crystal Violet-Impregnated Slippery Surface to Prevent Bacterial Contamination of Surfaces

Biofilms which are self-organized communities can contaminate various infrastructural systems. Preventing bacterial adhesion on surfaces is more desirable than cleaning or disinfection of bacteria-contaminated surfaces. In this study, a 24 h bacterial adhesion test showed that "slippery surfaces" had increased resistance to bacterial contamination compared to polydimethylsiloxane and superhydrophobic surfaces. However, it did not completely inhibit bacterial attachment, indicating that it only retards surface contamination by bacteria. Hence, a strategy of killing bacteria with minimal bacterial adhesion was developed. A crystal violet-impregnated slippery (CVIS) surface with bactericidal and slippery features was produced through a simple dipping process. The CVIS surface had a very smooth and lubricated surface that was highly repellent to water and blood contamination. Bactericidal tests against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus showed that the CVIS surface exhibited bactericidal activity in dark and also showed significantly enhanced bactericidal activity (>3 log reduction in bacteria number) in white light.

Continuous Single-Phase Synthesis of [Au25(Cys)18] Nanoclusters and their Photobactericidal Enhancement

Thiolate-gold nanoclusters have various applications. However, most of the synthesis methods require prolonged synthesis times from several hours to days. In the present study, we report a rapid synthesis method for [Au₂₅(Cys)₁₈] nanoclusters and their application for photobactericidal enhancement. For [Au₂₅(Cys)₁₈] synthesis, we employed a tube-in-tube membrane reactor using CO as a reducing agent at elevated temperatures. This approach allows continuous generation of high-quality [Au₂₅(Cys)₁₈] within 3 min. Photobactericidal tests against Staphylococcus aureus showed that crystal violet-treated polymer did not have photobactericidal activity, but addition of [Au₂₅(Cys)₁₈] in the treated polymer demonstrated a potent photobactericidal activity at a low white light flux, resulting in >4.29 log reduction in viable bacteria numbers. Steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopies demonstrated that after light irradiation, photoexcited electrons in crystal violet flowed to [Au₂₅(Cys)₁₈] in the silicone, suggesting that redox reaction from [Au₂₅(Cys)₁₈] enhanced the photobactericidal activity. Stability tests revealed that leaching of crystal violet and [Au₂₅(Cys)₁₈] from the treated silicone was negligible and cyclic testing showed that the silicone maintained a strong photobactericidal activity after repeated use.

Synergistic interactions of cadmium-free quantum dots embedded in a photosensitised polymer surface: efficient killing of multidrug-resistant strains at low ambient light levels

Cadmium-free quantum dots (QD) were combined with crystal violet photosensitising dye and incorporated into medical grade polyurethane via a non-covalent dipping process known as 'swell-encapsulation-shrink'. The antibacterial efficacy of the prepared quantum dot-crystal violet polyurethane substrates (QD + CV PU) was investigated under low power visible light illumination at similar intensities (500 lux) to those present in clinical settings. The antibacterial performance of QD + CV PU was superior to the constituent polymer substrates, eliminating ∼99.9% of an environmental P. aeruginosa strain, a clinical P. aeruginosa strain from a cystic fibrosis patient and a clinical E. coli strain. The nature of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in antibacterial activity of the QD + CV PU surface was investigated using ROS inhibitors and time-resolved optical spectroscopy. The photo-physical interactions of the green-emitting QDs with CV lead to a combination of Type I and II electron transfer and energy transfer processes, with the highly potent ROS singlet oxygen playing a dominant role. This study is the first to demonstrate highly efficient synergistic killing of clinical and environmental strains of intrinsically resistant and multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria using light-activated surfaces containing biocompatible cadmium-free QDs and crystal violet dye at ambient light levels.

Photoactivable Polymers Embedded with Cadmium-Free Quantum Dots and Crystal Violet: Efficient Bactericidal Activity against Clinical Strains of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

The rising incidence of antibiotic-resistant infections from contaminated surfaces in hospitals or implanted medical devices has led to increasing interest in new antibacterial surfaces. Photoactivatable surfaces that can generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species under exposure to ambient light is a promising approach to inactivation of surface-borne microorganisms. There is growing interest in the use of quantum dots (QDs) as light-harvesting agents for photobactericidal applications, but the cadmium in commonly used QDs will restrict clinical application. Herein, the photobactericidal activity of novel polyurethane substrates containing cadmium-free QDs was tested against clinical multidrug-resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and a carbapenemase-producing strain of Escherichia coli ( E. coli). To enhance the capacity for reactive oxygen species generation, QDs were incorporated into the polymer with a photosensitizing dye, crystal violet. Close proximity between the QD and dye enables electron and energy transfer processes leading to generation of cytotoxic singlet oxygen and superoxide radicals. A QD solution in cyclohexane was premixed with a solution of CV in the more polar solvent, dichloromethane, to promote the formation of QD-CV nanocomposite complexes via CV adsorption. This solution was then used to embed the QDs and crystal violet into medical grade polyurethane via swell-encapsulation. The combination of QD and CV elicited significant synergistic antibacterial activity under visible light against MRSA within 1 h (99.98% reduction) and E. coli within 4 h (99.96% reduction). Photoluminescence lifetime and singlet oxygen phosphorescence measurements demonstrated that interaction between the QDs and the crystal violet occurs within the polymer and leads to enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species. Strong inhibition of kill was observed using the superoxide scavenger, superoxide dismutase. The efficacy of these QD-CV polymer substrates, that can harvest light across the visible spectrum, against multidrug-resistant bacteria demonstrates the feasibility of this approach.

Photophysical Properties of Nitrated and Halogenated Phosphorus Tritolylcorrole Complexes: Insights from Theory

The photophysical properties of a series of nitrated and halogenated phosphorus tritolylcorrole complexes were studied in dichloromethane solvent by using the density functional theory. Particular emphasis was given to the absorption spectra, the energy gap between the excited singlet and triplet states, and the magnitude of the spin-orbit couplings for a series of possible intersystem crossing channels between those excited states. The proposed study provides a better description of the photophysical properties of these systems while giving insights into their possible use as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy.

Covalently Attached Antimicrobial Surfaces Using BODIPY: Improving Efficiency and Effectiveness

The development of photoactivated antimicrobial surfaces that kill pathogens through the production of singlet oxygen has proved very effective in recent years, with applications in medical devices and hospital touch surfaces, to improve patient safety and well being. However, many of these surfaces require a swell-encapsulation-shrink strategy to incorporate the photoactive agents in a polymer matrix, and this is resource intensive, given that only the surface fraction of the agent is active against bacteria. Furthermore, there is a risk that the agent will leach from the polymer and thus raises issues of biocompatibility and patient safety. Here, we describe a more efficient method of fabricating a silicone material with a covalently attached monolayer of photoactivating agent that uses heavy-atom triplet sensitization for improved singlet oxygen generation and corresponding antimicrobial activity. We use boron-dipyrromethane with a reactive end group and incorporated Br atoms, covalently attached to poly(dimethylsiloxane). We demonstrate the efficacy of this material in producing singlet oxygen and killing Staphylococcus aureus and suggest how it might be easily modifiable for future antimicrobial surface development.

Effects of bovine serum albumin on light activated antimicrobial surfaces

In this work we demonstrate that our active surfaces still show antibacterial activity even with BSA at low light.

Nanosecond time-resolved characterization of a pentacene-based room-temperature MASER

The performance of a room temperature, zero-field MASER operating at 1.45 GHz has been examined. Nanosecond laser pulses, which are essentially instantaneous on the timescale of the spin dynamics, allow the visible-to-microwave conversion efficiency and temporal response of the MASER to be measured as a function of excitation energy. It is observed that the timing and amplitude of the MASER output pulse are correlated with the laser excitation energy: at higher laser energy, the microwave pulses have larger amplitude and appear after shorter delay than those recorded at lower laser energy. Seeding experiments demonstrate that the output variation may be stabilized by an external source and establish the minimum seeding power required. The dynamics of the MASER emission may be modeled by a pair of first order, non-linear differential equations, derived from the Lotka-Volterra model (Predator-Prey), where by the microwave mode of the resonator is the predator and the spin polarization in the triplet state of pentacene is the prey. Simulations allowed the Einstein coefficient of stimulated emission, the spin-lattice relaxation and the number of triplets contributing to the MASER emission to be estimated. These are essential parameters for the rational improvement of a MASER based on a spin-polarized triplet molecule.

Thiol-Capped Gold Nanoparticles Swell-Encapsulated into Polyurethane as Powerful Antibacterial Surfaces Under Dark and Light Conditions

A simple procedure to develop antibacterial surfaces using thiol-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is shown, which effectively kill bacteria under dark and light conditions. The effect of AuNP size and concentration on photo-activated antibacterial surfaces is reported and we show significant size effects, as well as bactericidal activity with crystal violet (CV) coated polyurethane. These materials have been proven to be powerful antibacterial surfaces against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. AuNPs of 2, 3 or 5 nm diameter were swell-encapsulated into PU before a coating of CV was applied (known as PU-AuNPs-CV). The antibacterial activity of PU-AuNPs-CV samples was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli as representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria under dark and light conditions. All light conditions in this study simulated a typical white-light hospital environment. This work demonstrates that the antibacterial activity of PU-AuNPs-CV samples and the synergistic enhancement of photoactivity of triarylmethane type dyes is highly dependent on nanoparticle size and concentration. The most powerful PU-AuNPs-CV antibacterial surfaces were achieved using 1.0 mg mL-1 swell encapsulation concentrations of 2 nm AuNPs. After two hours, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were reduced to below the detection limit (>4 log) under dark and light conditions.