Development and application of a framework for the production and improvement of antibacterial and biocompatible polymers
Abstract
The development of polymers that are both bactericidal and biocompatible have many applications and are currently of research interest. Quaternized poly(vinyl pyridine)-based copolymers are known to be effective against a wide range of bacteria and also possess biocompatible properties, but more extensive testing of a wide range of copolymers is necessary to further explore and enhance these properties. However, testing is currently hampered by labor-intensive bacteria testing techniques, a lack of understanding of the biocompatible potential of such materials, and the very small number of candidate chemicals which have been successfully synthesized. This dissertation attempts to bridge the lack of knowledge in each of these areas through the development and application of experimental assays that can be applied to these and other suspected antibacterial substances. In the area of bacterial testing, this dissertation presents a new testing method, based on bioluminescent reporter strains to enable fast evaluation of bactericidal properties. This method enables the real-time characterization of bacterial behavior with less labor than required through traditional testing methods. A mathematical model was then developed from these results to characterize the change in bacteria populations exposed to biocides and to enable the quantitative comparison of minimum bactericidal concentrations. To better understand the biocompatibility of the copolymers, this dissertation present the results of comprehensive cell viability assays performed on human epithelial cells cultivated in vitro. The results showed that these copolymers are biocompatible at concentrations above their minimum bactericidal concentrations, leading to selectivity values that compare well with other microbicidal products. This dissertation also explores the bactericidal and biocompatible properties of a new class of polymers based around 2-vinylpyridine, comparing it to 4-vinylpyridine-based copolymers as well as biocides which have already been introduced into the marketplace. The results of these assays were then compared and correlated to the results of other biocompatibility assays previously conducted on these polymers, affording a greater understanding of the biocompatibility of the copolymers as well as improving the understanding of the material properties that is vital for the development of these materials.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Youngblood, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Polymer chemistry|Materials science
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