Antibacterial Surfaces
Overview of Antibacterial Surfaces
Outside of the body, bacterial control has traditionally been conducted by applying temporary agents like bleach, or through controlled temperature/pressure. The study of antibacterial surfaces investigates the viability of surfaces that intrinsically destroy bacteria and hamper future growth. A number of novel approaches are being employed in the search of effective antibacterial activity. Most of these approaches involve an adhesive coating on benign objects such as glass and polymers.
This technology has great potential for medical, commercial, and home use.
Covalent Modification: Alkylated Polethylenimine
The covalent attachment of long-chained hydrophobic cations to glass and plastic surfaces can render the modified surface capable of killing bacteria on contact. In a study by Lin et al., poly(vinyl-N-hexylpyridinium) chains were found “equally lethal against wild-type and mutant, including antibiotic-resistant, strains of the ubiquitous pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus aureus,” killing between 90-99% of the S. aureus bacteria. [1] These hexyl-PVP chains kill a wide variety of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and the activity of the surface can be reset simply by washing it with detergent. [1]
Section 2
Include some current research in each topic, with at least one figure showing data.
Section 3
Include some current research in each topic, with at least one figure showing data.
Conclusion
Overall paper length should be 3,000 words, with at least 3 figures.
References
Edited by student of Joan Slonczewski for BIOL 238 Microbiology, 2009, Kenyon College.
