Self-antibacterial cycle by polymer surface modification

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K05200
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 35020:Polymer materials-related
• Research Institution: Kumamoto University
• Principal Investigator: Kim Sunnam 熊本大学, 大学院先端科学研究部(工), 助教 (00612532)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: antimicrobial / hyperbranch polymer / cationic polymer / hydrophilic surface

Outline of Final Research Achievements

With the aim of developing food packaging with safe and sustained antibacterial effects while retaining the inherent advantages of the packaging, an antibacterial film with both sterilization and removal functions is produced using a surface modification method. By fixing polymer chains with a high concentration of antibacterial moieties to the surface, a high antibacterial effect is expected, and since the antibacterial agent does not transfer to food, it is safe and the range of antibacterial agents can be expanded. To further increase the durability of the antibacterial effect, the polymer structure is designed so that the antibacterial cycle of sterilization and cleaning is driven spontaneously. By using a stimuli-responsive polymer that responds to local pH changes due to the attachment and detachment of bacteria, a sustained antibacterial system that does not require external stimuli is constructed.

Free Research Field

polymer chemistry

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

持続性の高い抗菌効果を得るために、汚染防止と殺菌の両方の機能を併せ持つ表面を作製する必要があると考えた。本研究では、局所的なpH変化に応答する刺激応答性高分子を用い、細菌の付着及び脱離により、殺菌作用のあるカチオン性表面と汚染防止機能の親水性表面に切り替わる構造を設計した。このような独自的な外部刺激の要らないセルフ抗菌システムの構築により、半永久的に持続可能な抗菌効果が期待できる。