Russian scientists have for the first time developed polymer coatings with bactericidal properties against Staphylococcus aureus, using porphyrins.
A team of scientists from the Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, RTU MIREA and the G. F. Gauze Research Institute of New Antibiotics has created epoxy-amine coatings that have demonstrated biocidal activity with the addition of only 0.002% porphyrin.
Epoxy coatings are widely used in various fields. However, pathogenic biofilms can form on their surface, contributing to the destruction of the material. To combat this, scientists added porphyrins to the polymer composition, which can destroy bacterial membranes, preventing the formation of biofilms.
Under the influence of light, porphyrins produce reactive oxygen species, which effectively fight bacteria. They have an oxidizing effect on the components of the bacterial membrane, destroying it.
These polymer coatings can be used in various fields, including medicine, water purification and the production of biologically active materials.
