A multilevel antimicrobial coating based on polymer-encapsulated ClO(2)

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Developing advanced antimicrobial surfaces is crucial for preventing infections.
• Existing coatings often lack multi-modal action or sustained efficacy.
• Controlled release of antimicrobial agents remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a multilevel antimicrobial coating with sustained release, contact-killing, and anti-adhesion properties.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the coating against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
• To investigate the release kinetics and mechanisms of the encapsulated antimicrobial agent.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of a water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) double emulsion encapsulating chlorine dioxide (ClO(2)).
• Incorporation of zinc chloride for contact-killing and Pluronic polymer for anti-adhesion.
• Assessment of ClO(2) release rate and duration over 28 days.
• Testing antimicrobial efficacy against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.

Main Results:

• Sustained release of gaseous ClO(2) (approx. 1300 µg/g/day) for 28 days was achieved.
• Triggered release of biocides upon contact or contamination led to rapid disinfection.
• The coating demonstrated significant reduction (>5 log) of viable bacteria within 10 minutes.
• Effective inhibition of bacterial adhesion was observed.

Conclusions:

• The developed coating provides a multilevel antimicrobial strategy with sustained and triggered release.
• It exhibits potent bactericidal activity against a range of common pathogens.
• This technology holds promise for applications requiring long-lasting antimicrobial surfaces.