Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
12:21
Fabrication and Characterization of Griffithsin-modified Fiber Scaffolds for Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Published on: October 31, 2017
7.5K
From Synthesis to Functionality: Tailored Ionic Liquid-Based Electrospun Fibers with Superior Antimicrobial
Sanja Rackov1, Branka Pilić1, Nenad Janković2
1Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, Department of Materials Engineering, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
Polymers
|August 10, 2024
Summary
We developed novel antimicrobial polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) from imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs). These PILs, fabricated into electrospun membranes, offer potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and combat bacterial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Antimicrobial Research
Background:
- Growing bacterial resistance necessitates novel antimicrobial solutions.
- Ionic liquids (ILs) and polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) show promise due to their tunable properties.
- Imidazolium-based ILs possess inherent amphiphilicity and antimicrobial characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize imidazolium-based IL monomers and their corresponding PILs.
- To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of these ILs and PILs against various pathogens.
- To develop electrospun PIL membranes for practical antimicrobial applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of imidazolium-based ionic liquid monomers ([CVIm][Br], n=2-12).
- Polymerization of IL monomers into polymeric ionic liquids (PILs).
- Electrospinning technique to create porous PIL membranes.
Main Results:
- Synthesized IL monomers and PILs demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and fungi.
- Antimicrobial activity was influenced by alkyl chain length and polymerization.
- Electrospun PIL membranes exhibited enhanced antimicrobial performance due to their fibrous structure.
Conclusions:
- Imidazolium-based ILs and PILs are effective antimicrobial agents.
- Electrospinning provides a versatile method for creating functional antimicrobial membranes.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for developing advanced materials to combat antimicrobial resistance.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:18Detergent Purification of Membrane Proteins
Detergents are used to purify the integral proteins of the membrane. The hydrophobic portion of the detergent can replace membrane phospholipids while solubilizing the membrane proteins. When detergent monomers reach a specific concentration in a solution called critical micelle concentration (CMC), they form micelles. Above CMC, the concentration of the detergent monomers remains in equilibrium with the micelle. The number of detergent monomers present in the CMC varies for each detergent, and...
01:20Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters
The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
01:28Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers
Synthetic polymers are classified as elastomers, fibers, or plastics based on their crystallinity. Crystallinity, the degree of long-range order in the solid state, influences the mechanical properties (stretching or contracting) of elastomers. Elastomers are flexible polymers that can expand or contract easily upon the application of an external force. They have numerous crosslinks that pull them back into their original shape when stress is removed. Silicones, for instance, are highly elastic...