Hybrid Antimicrobial Films Containing a Polyoxometalate-Ionic Liquid

The increasing resistance of pathogenic microorganisms against common treatments requires innovative concepts to prevent infection and avoid long-term microbe viability on commonly used surfaces. Here, we report the preparation of a hybrid antimicrobial material based on the combination of microbiocidal polyoxometalate-ionic liquids (POM-ILs) and a biocompatible polymeric support, which enables the development of surface coatings that prevent microbial adhesion. The composite material is based on an antibacterial and antifungal room-temperature POM-IL composed of guanidinium cations (N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-N″, N″-dioctylguanidinum) combined with lacunary Keggin-type polyoxotungstate anions, [α-SiW₁₁O₃₉]^8-. Integration of the antimicrobial POM-IL into the biocompatible, flexible, and stable polymer poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) results in processable films, which are suitable as surface coatings or packaging materials to limit the proliferation and spread of pathogenic microorganisms (e.g., on public transport and hospital surfaces, or in ready-to-eat-food packaging).