Air-ozonolysis to generate contact active antimicrobial surfaces: Activation of polyethylene and polystyrene followed by covalent graft of quaternary ammonium salts

Air-ozonolysis was revealed as an accessible and effective approach for surface activation and further functionalization of hydrocarbon polymers. Antimicrobial contact active polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) were designed by generation on their surfaces OH-functional groups and covalent graft of dimethyloctadecyl [3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl] ammonium chloride (C18-TSA) quaternary ammonium salt. The shortened analog, trimethyl [3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl] ammonium chloride (C1-TSA), was also covalently attached to the activated PE and PS surfaces. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and FTIR confirmed the surface modifications. Scanning electron (SEM) and confocal microscopy were utilized to monitor surface morphology and bacteria interactions. The antimicrobial effect of the C18-TSA grafted polymer surfaces was demonstrated on Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria species including human pathogen, Salmonella enterica. The shorter C1-TSA grafted polymers did not demonstrate bactericidal activity, suggesting the critical role of the alkyl chain length. The described strategy may establish a new general and safe platform for future development and application of contact active antimicrobial polymers.