University of Connecticut |
Polymer Program SeminarPolymeric Surface Modifiers: A Strategy for Biomedical and Contraphilic Behavior Friday, April 21, 2006 11:00 am , IMS Room 20 Surface contamination of medical devices with pathogenic organisms is of concern as such surfaces are vectors for spreading pathogens in hospitals and other nosocomial environments. Such surfaces would benefit from antimicrobial coatings which would thwart the spread of pathogenic organisms. Most commercial and experimental biocidal coatings release biocides and/or antibiotics. This mechanism can lead to buildup of organism resistance. This presentation focuses on a new approach to antimicrobial coatings that kill bacteria on contact. In particular, the biocidal action of new polyurethane polymer surface modifiers (PSMs) with quarternized “quat” alkyl amine substituted soft blocks derived from novel co-telechelics will be presented. These polymer surface modifiers are designed to mimic naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides. These PSMs are molecularly designed to surface-concentrate when added at low levels to conventional polyurethanes. The PSM modified polyurethanes are highly effective in killing pathogens including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In the course of examining hydantoin-functionalized polymer surface modifiers a novel contraphilic surface behavior was discovered. Contraphilic connotes that the surface is hydrophilic when dry and hydrophobic when wet. Thus “water makes it hydrophobic.” * This research supported by the National Science Foundation.
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