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Blocked bacteria escape by ATRP grafting of a PMMA shell on PVA microparticles
Christian Knierim1, Charles L Greenblatt, Seema Agarwal
1Department of Chemistry and Center of Materials Science, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße, D-35042, Marburg, Germany.
Abstract:
This paper reports on the preparation and characterization of living composites consisting of poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA) hydrogel microparticles with living bacteria and a shell of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The grafting of the PMMA shell is accomplished in the presence of living bacteria by surface polymerization of PMMA using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The PMMA shell prevents the uncontrolled bacterial escape from the hydrogel microparticles, which otherwise marks a major problem of these composites. The encapsulation of microparticles with living bacteria by PMMA retards bacteria escape upon contact to water for >20 d. The functionality of the PMMA shell is proven both by the release of fluorescein in buffer and an altered release time of bacteria in buffer solution.
Insights
Researchers developed novel living composites using poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel microparticles and poly(methyl methacrylate) shells. This innovation successfully prevents bacterial escape, maintaining composite integrity and function for extended periods.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Living composites offer unique functionalities but suffer from uncontrolled bacterial leakage.
- Developing robust containment strategies is crucial for practical applications of these materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create living composites with enhanced bacterial containment.
- To characterize the properties and functionality of these novel microparticles.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel microparticles encapsulating living bacteria.
- Surface polymerization of poly(methyl methacrylate) using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to form a protective shell.
- Assessment of bacterial escape retardation and shell functionality via fluorescein release and altered bacterial release times.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized living composites with a poly(methyl methacrylate) shell around poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel microparticles containing bacteria.
- The poly(methyl methacrylate) shell significantly retarded bacterial escape into aqueous environments for over 20 days.
- Demonstrated the integrity and functionality of the poly(methyl methacrylate) shell through controlled release studies.
Conclusions:
- The developed method effectively creates stable living composites with improved bacterial containment.
- This approach addresses a major challenge in the field, paving the way for advanced biomaterials.
- The functional poly(methyl methacrylate) shell ensures the viability and controlled release of encapsulated bacteria.
