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Bacteria-Resistant, Transparent, Free-Standing Films Prepared from Complex Coacervates
journal contribution
posted on 2019-08-23, 14:44 authored by Irene
S. Kurtz, Shuo Sui, Xi Hao, Mengfei Huang, Sarah L. Perry, Jessica D. SchiffmanWe
report the fabrication, properties, and bacteria-resistance
of polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) coatings and free-standing films.
Poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid), poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride),
and salt were spin-coated into PEC films. After thermal annealing
in a humid environment, highly transparent, mechanically strong, and
chemically robust films were formed. Notably, we demonstrate that
PEC coatings significantly reduce the attachment of Escherichia
coli K12 without killing the microorganisms. We suggest that
forming bacteria-resistant surface coatings from commercially available
polymers holds the potential for use across a wide range of applications
including high-touch surfaces in medical settings.