Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Biomimetic Materials to Characterize Bacteria-host Interactions
Published on: November 16, 2015
Antibacterial Adhesion of Poly(methyl methacrylate) Modified by Borneol Acrylate
Xueli Sun1, Zhiyong Qian2,3, Lingqiong Luo1
1Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology , Beijing 100029, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a widely used biomaterial. But there is still a challenge facing its unwanted bacterial adhesion because the subsequent biofilm formation usually leads to failure of related implants. Herein, we present a borneol-modified PMMA based on a facile and effective stereochemical strategy, generating antibacterial copolymer named as P(MMA-co-BA). It was synthesized by free radical polymerization and studied with different ratio between methyl methacrylate (MMA) and borneol acrylate (BA) monomers. NMR, GPC, and EA, etc., were used to confirm their chemical features. Their films were challenged with Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive), showing a BA content dependent antibacterial performance. The minimum effective dose should be 10%. Then in vivo subcutaneous implantations in mice demonstrated their biocompatibilities through routine histotomy and HE staining. Therefore, P(MMA-co-BA)s not only exhibited their unique antibacterial character but also suggested a potential for the safe usage of borneol-modified PMMA frame and devices for further implantation.
Insights
This study developed a novel borneol-modified poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) copolymer, P(MMA-co-BA), to combat bacterial adhesion on medical implants. The new material demonstrates effective antibacterial properties and good biocompatibility for potential clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Medical Device Development
Background:
- Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a common biomaterial, but bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation pose significant challenges, often leading to implant failure.
- Developing antibacterial surfaces for medical implants is crucial to prevent infections and improve patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a novel borneol-modified PMMA copolymer, P(MMA-co-BA), with enhanced antibacterial properties.
- To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy and in vivo biocompatibility of the P(MMA-co-BA) copolymer for potential biomedical applications.
Main Methods:
- Free radical polymerization was employed to synthesize P(MMA-co-BA) copolymers with varying ratios of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and borneol acrylate (BA) monomers.
- Chemical features were confirmed using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), and Elemental Analysis (EA).
- Antibacterial activity was assessed against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) bacteria, followed by in vivo subcutaneous implantation studies in mice with histological analysis.
Main Results:
- The P(MMA-co-BA) copolymer exhibited concentration-dependent antibacterial performance against both tested bacterial strains, with a minimum effective dose of 10% borneol acrylate.
- In vivo studies demonstrated good biocompatibility of the borneol-modified PMMA, as indicated by routine histotomy and Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining.
- The synthesized copolymers were successfully characterized, confirming their chemical structure and composition.
Conclusions:
- The borneol-modified PMMA copolymer, P(MMA-co-BA), presents a promising strategy for developing antibacterial biomaterials.
- This material shows potential for safe use in PMMA-based frames and devices intended for implantation, reducing the risk of implant-associated infections.
- The study highlights the effectiveness of incorporating borneol into PMMA to create functional antibacterial medical materials.
