A Synthetic Overview of Preparation Protocols of Nonmetallic, Contact‐Active Antimicrobial Quaternary Surfaces on Polymer Substrates

Abstract

Antibacterial surfaces have been researched for more than 30 years and remain highly desirable. In particular, there is an interest in providing antimicrobial properties to commodity plastics, because these, in their native state, are excellent substrates for pathogens to adhere and proliferate on. Therefore, efficient strategies for converting surfaces of commodity plastics into contact‐active antimicrobial surfaces are of significant interest. Many systems have been prepared and tested for their efficacy. Here, the synthetic approaches to such active surfaces are reviewed, with the restriction to only include systems with tested antibacterial properties. The review focuses on the synthetic approach to surface functionalization of the most common materials used and tested for biomedical applications, which effectively has limited the study to quaternary materials. For future developments in the field, it is evident that there is a need for development of simple methods that permit scalable production of active surfaces. Furthermore, in terms of efficacy, there is an outstanding concern of a lack of universal antimicrobial action as well as rapid deactivation of the antibacterial effect through surface fouling.

From Antibacterial to Antibiofilm Targeting: An Emerging Paradigm Shift in the Development of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs)

“…Currently, various polymerization techniques are being widely studied to obtain antimicrobial surfaces based on QACs. Basic synthetic strategies for the covalent attachment of QACs to various material surfaces have been discussed in detail in recent reviews. ,− Here, we only briefly mention the latest developments in this area.…”

“…Particular attention is paid to the development and application techniques of QAC-based antimicrobial coatings on various materials. Recent excellent reviews quite extensively cover the strategies of the covalent attachment of QACs to the surfaces of various materials. ,− However, upon review of the literature, it became obvious that it was necessary to structure data not only on methods for developing QACs firmly immobilized on a surface but also on a new generation of QAC-based coatings, in particular, with controlled release of an active substance and with a combined mechanism of action. Recent advances in the production of such systems are also discussed in the review.…”

Facile fabrication of robust and universal UV‐curable polyurethane composite coatings with antibacterial properties

“…Based on previously reported literature, it is known that when bacteria come into contact with the surface of polyurethane composite coatings, the cationic antimicrobial agent disrupts the balance of osmotic pressure inside and outside of the bacteria by inducing the segregation of membrane phospholipids. 1 This situation will result in the flow of bacterial contents out, thereby killing the bacteria. 34 In addition, the antimicrobial properties of the prepared polyurethane composites are excellent when compared to previous literature reports.…”

“…The presence of biofilms may lead to chronic and recurrent infections and cause bacterial drug resistance. 1,2 In recent years, with the frequent use of medical materials, the problem of medically acquired infections caused by pathogenic bacteria adhering to the surface of medical devices or implanted biomaterials has become the greatest threat to patient health worldwide. 3 The construction of surface antimicrobial coatings is one of the most effective strategies to address this type of healthcare-acquired infection.…”

“…Microorganisms such as bacteria can adhere to and multiply on the surface of biomedical materials, eventually forming a highly organized bacterial biofilm on the surface of the material. The presence of biofilms may lead to chronic and recurrent infections and cause bacterial drug resistance 1,2 . In recent years, with the frequent use of medical materials, the problem of medically acquired infections caused by pathogenic bacteria adhering to the surface of medical devices or implanted biomaterials has become the greatest threat to patient health worldwide 3 .…”