Preparation of highly efficient antibacterial polymeric films via the modulation of charge density and hydrophobicity

Abstract

Highly efficient antibacterial polymeric films were prepared in a facile manner via a thiol–ene reaction assisted by ultraviolet radiation. The influence of the positive charge density and hydrophobicity on the antimicrobial activity was evaluated with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. There was a synergetic enhancement in sterilization in the presence of a positive charge density and hydrophobicity, which provided a convenient way to design and synthesize highly effective antimicrobial polymers. The prepared films, with abundant cations and sufficient hydrophobicity, exhibited robust antibacterial effects against E. coli and S. aureus. Their excellent thermostability makes these films suitable for practical applications.