Antibacterial Properties of Polyurethane Foams Additivated with Terpenes from a Bio-Based Polyol

Abstract

Water-blown polyurethane (PU) foams were prepared by bio-polyols from epoxidized linseed oils and caprylic acid in combination with toluene diisocianate (TDI). A series of terpenes (menthol, geraniol, terpineol, and borneol), natural compounds with recognized antibacterial properties, were included in the starting formulations to confer bactericidal properties to the final material. Foams additivated with Irgasan®, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial molecule, were prepared as reference. The bactericidal activity of foams against planktonic and sessile E. coli (ATCC 11229) and S. aureus (ATCC 6538) was evaluated following a modified AATCC 100-2012 static method. Menthol-additivated foams showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, reducing Gram+ and Gram− viability by more than 60%. Foams prepared with borneol and terpineol showed selective antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. NMR analysis of foams leaking in water supported a bactericidal mechanism mediated by contact killing rather than molecule release. The results represent the proof of concept of the possibility to develop bio-based PU foams with intrinsic bactericidal properties through a simple and innovative synthetic approach.

Unveiling the potential of HKUST-1: synthesis, activation, advantages and biomedical applications

“…125 Polyurethane foams (PUFs) are a class of polymeric materials with high breathability and low wound adhesion. 140 Lee et al developed a stable composite by crosslinking Cu-BTC onto the surface of PUFs. This composite material demonstrated significant selectivity and potent antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa , K. pneumoniae , and MRSA while also exhibiting excellent biodegradability.…”

Recent Developments in Biobased Foams and Foam Composites for Construction Applications

“…Some examples of amine catalysts include tertiary amine compounds such as dimethylcyclohexylamine and organometallic components such as bismuth octanoate or dibutyltin dilaurate. Some of the other catalysts of choice include DABCO (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) that is used for urethane gelation reaction or bis-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)ether that can be used for the urea blowing reaction [69,70].…”

Gamma Radiation-Mediated Synthesis of Antimicrobial Polyurethane Foam/Silver Nanoparticles

“…Inducing antimicrobial properties into polyurethane can be achieved through various methods, including the integration of different chemicals [8,13,14] (e.g., quaternary ammonium and polyhexamethylene guanidine compounds as well as metal nanoparticles) or natural products [15][16][17] (e.g., terpenes, plant extracts, and biopolymers) directly into the polyurethane structure. The introduction of metal nanoparticles into the polyurethane foam structure represents an approach for the induction of antimicrobial properties, improving structural and mechanical strength properties, to address various challenges in sectors such as healthcare, food packaging, and materials engineering [8,18].…”