The antibacterial properties of light-activated polydimethylsiloxane containing crystal violet

Abstract

Crystal violet was incorporated into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) by a swell–encapsulation–shrink method using chloroform as a swelling solvent. The polymer was characterized by IR, UV-vis and water contact angle measurements. The antimicrobial activity of the polymer was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus under white light conditions comparable to that found in a healthcare environment. The crystal violet-incorporated polymer showed potent lethal photosensitization of both bacteria.