Antiseptic Materials on the Base of Polymer Interpenetrating Networks Microgels and Benzalkonium Chloride

Abstract

Polymer microgels, including those based on interpenetrating networks (IPNs), are currently vastly studied, and their practical applications are a matter of thriving research. In this work, we show the perspective for the use of polyelectrolyte IPN microgels either as scavengers or carriers of antiseptic substances. Here, we report that poly-N-isopropylacrylamide/polyacrylic acid IPN microgels can efficiently absorb the common bactericidal and virucidal compound benzalkonium chloride. The particles can form a stable aqueous colloidal suspension or be used as building blocks for soft free-standing films. Both materials showed antiseptic efficacy on the examples of Bacillus subtilis and S. aureus, which was approximately equal to the commercial antibiotic. Such polymer biocides can be used as liquid disinfectants, stable surface coatings, or parts of biomedical devices and can enhance the versatility of the possible practical applications of polymer microgels.

Antiseptic Polymer–Surfactant Complexes with Long-Lasting Activity against SARS-CoV-2

“…Being introduced into a polymer-gel matrix, the molecules of a disinfectant can be gradually released over extended periods, providing a long-term antiseptic activity [19,[30][31][32][33][34]. It was shown that the presence in the gel of units with a charge opposite to that of the disinfectant increases its load significantly and favors prolonged release [30].…”

“…Many efforts are directed toward the development of antiseptic systems based on polyelectrolyte gels and oppositely charged disinfectants [19,[30][31][32][33][34]. For example, Ref.…”

“…In another paper [31], cross-linked multilayer films with a pH-triggered release of an antibacterial agent were prepared from poly(methacrylic acid) and an oppositely charged antimicrobial peptide derived from lactoferrin. In a recent study [34], microgels based on an interpenetrating network of poly-N-isopropylacrylamide/polyacrylic acid, loaded with the oppositely charged disinfectant BAC were elaborated. The microgels show antiseptic efficacy against Bacillus subtilis and S. aureus, which is approximately equal to that of commercial antibiotics.…”

Theoretical Study of Microgel Functional Groups’ Mobility

“…One of the most powerful features for the enhancement of the microgel applicability is the incorporation of various functional groups into the microparticle polymer network. Functional groups can bear charges further employed in the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes, , act as antibacterial and antiseptic substances, − and serve as a conjugation site for a number of target molecules. − Of course, the question of spatial availability of these groups is of importance, and that depends on the microgel’s characteristics.…”

Behavior of PNIPAM Microgels in Different Organic Solvents

“…There are many applications for microgels in different areas, such as optics, coating, medicine, agriculture, actuators, etc. [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Most of the reports dedicated to microgels prepared via the self-assembly mechanism observed in precipitation polymerization used poly( N -isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) as a main component [ 6 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”