Photodynamic Polymers as Comprehensive Anti-Infective Materials: Staying Ahead of a Growing Global Threat

To combat the global threat posed by surface-adhering pathogens that are becoming increasingly drug-resistant, we explore the anti-infective efficacy of bulk thermoplastic elastomer films containing ∼1 wt % zinc-tetra(4- N-methylpyridyl)porphine (ZnTMPyP⁴⁺), a photoactive antimicrobial that utilizes visible light to generate singlet oxygen. This photodynamic polymer is capable of inactivating five bacterial strains and two viruses with at least 99.89% and 99.95% success, respectively, after exposure to noncoherent light for 60 min. Unlike other anti-infective methodologies commonly requiring oxidizing chemicals, carcinogenic radiation, or toxic nanoparticles, our approach is nonspecific and safe/nontoxic, and sustainably relies on the availability of just oxygen and visible light.