Plasma polymers from oregano secondary metabolites: Antibacterial and biocompatible plant‐based polymers
Jesus Romo‐Rico, Smriti M. Krishna, Jonathan Golledge, Andrew Hayles, Krasimir Vasilev, Mohan V. Jacob
Abstract
Abstract Bacterial infection of chronic wounds is a major healthcare problem that affects the quality of life of millions of patients worldwide and leads to a substantial healthcare cost burden. This project focused on the manufacture of a potential wound healing agent. Plasma polymers from oregano secondary metabolites (PP‐OSMs) were fabricated by radiofrequency plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF‐PECVD) in continuous and pulse plasma modes at room temperature. The surface, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties of the PP‐OSMs were investigated. Polymers fabricated by RF‐PECVD retained the functional groups of OSMs, promoted human dermal fibroblast adhesion, inhibited Staphylococcus aureus attachment, and eliminated Pseudomonas aeruginosa . The PP‐OSM coatings are potential candidates for use in medical applications where cell biocompatibility and antibacterial properties are required.