N-trimethylchitosan/alginate layer-by-layer self assembly coatings act as "fungal repellents" to prevent biofilm formation on healthcare materials.

ABSTRACT: Fungal biofilm formation on healthcare materials is a significant clinical concern, often leading to medical-device-related infections, which are difficult to treat. A novel fungal repellent strategy is developed to control fungal biofilm formation. Methylacrylic acid (MAA) is grated onto poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based biomaterials via plasma-initiated grafting polymerization. A cationic polymer, trimethylchitosan (TMC), is synthesized by reacting chitosan with methyl iodide. Sodium alginate (SA) is used as an anionic polymer. TMC/SA multilayers are coated onto the MAA-grafted PMMA via layer-by-layer self-assembly. The TMC/SA multilayer coatings significantly reduce fungal initial adhesion, and effectively prevent fungal biofilm formation. It is concluded that the anti-adhesive prop

SUBMITTER: Jiang F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4425286 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature