Surface Characterization and Anti-Biofilm Effectiveness of Hybrid Films of Polyurethane Functionalized with Saponite and Phloxine B

The main objective of this work was to synthesize composites of polyurethane (PU) with organoclays (OC) exhibiting antimicrobial properties. Layered silicate (saponite) was modified with octadecyltrimethylammonium cations (ODTMA) and functionalized with phloxine B (PhB) and used as a filler in the composites. A unique property of composite materials is the increased concentration of modifier particles on the surface of the composite membranes. Materials of different compositions were tested and investigated using physico-chemical methods, such as infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, contact angle measurements, absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy in the visible region. The composition of an optimal material was as follows: n_ODTMA/m_Sap = 0.8 mmol g^-1 and n_PhB/m_Sap = 0.1 mmol g^-1. Only about 1.5% of present PhB was released in a cultivation medium for bacteria within 24 h, which proved good stability of the composite. Anti-biofilm properties of the composite membranes were proven in experiments with resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The composites without PhB reduced the biofilm growth 100-fold compared to the control sample (non-modified PU). The composite containing PhB in combination with the photodynamic inactivation (PDI) reduced cell growth by about 10,000-fold, thus proving the significant photosensitizing effect of the membranes. Cell damage was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. A new method of the synthesis of composite materials presented in this work opens up new possibilities for targeted modification of polymers by focusing on their surfaces. Such composite materials retain the properties of the unmodified polymer inside the matrix and only the surface of the material is changed. Although these unique materials presented in this work are based on PU, the method of surface modification can also be applied to other polymers. Such modified polymers could be useful for various applications in which special surface properties are required, for example, for materials used in medical practice.