Ethan Nguyen / Chemistry & Biochemistry / Faculty Mentor: Joseph Buonomo
Cellulose modified with PEtN is an integral component of E. coli biofilms, as bacteria adhere to modified polymers.1 Biofilm infections are typically chronic in nature, as biofilm-residing bacteria can be resilient to both the immune system, antibiotics, and other treatments.2 The design of antimicrobial materials heavily depends on controlling biofilm formation, as biofilms contribute to both bacterial resistance and chronic infections.
In our study, we will functionalize phospho-azide-containing polyvinyl alcohol (pN3-PVA) with a self-assembling antimicrobial peptide (AMP). This will generate a bioactive material with zwitterionic properties,3 designed to influence biofilm formation.
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