Antibacterial and Degradable Thioimidazolium Poly(ionic liquid)
Christene A. Smith, Vincenzo Alessandro Cataldo, Thomas Dimke, Ina Stephan, Ryan Guterman
Abstract
New antibacterial agents are urgently required to fight the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We recently synthesized the first thioimidazolium ionene, which has antibacterial properties and can degrade in various media. This dual functionality is crucial in order to limit the environmental impact of these biocides. We have found that our polymer is stronger than benzalkonium chloride (BAC) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and also readily degrades in the presence of base, while remaining stable in acidic environments. These results highlight a new emerging class of antibacterial degradable polymers.
Topics & Concepts
Benzalkonium chlorideBiocidePseudomonas aeruginosaChemistryAntibacterial activityIonic liquidPolymerCombinatorial chemistryAntibacterial agentBacteriaAntibioticsOrganic chemistryBiologyBiochemistryCatalysisGeneticsAntimicrobial agents and applicationsEnvironmental Chemistry and AnalysisChemistry and Chemical Engineering