Cellulose Acetate Modification Towards Antibiofilm Properties via Chemical Attachment of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds using Supercritical CO2

Abstract

There is an urgency to develop novel materials capable of preventing the adherence of microorganisms to their surface. Such materials with antibiofilm properties are needed in hospitals and public places, animal farms and veterinary hospitals, and biofouling prevention. Biofouling is the phenomenon of adhesion and the growth of microorganisms on surfaces in contact with water. It poses a significant problem for filtration processes, water treatment units, bioreactors, and ships performance (marine biofouling). High-pressure techniques such as supercritical solvent impregnation and grafting in the supercritical phase allow for the modification of a solid matrix throughout the whole volume and production of materials of unique properties in an environmentally friendly way. Grafting involves the chemical attachment of an active compound to a solid matrix, ensuring its long-lasting properties. Grafting in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) has been reported as an efficient tool in the production of materials with antibacterial1 , and recently also antibiofilm properties2 . This study aims to investigate the potential of cellulose acetate (CA) grafting with quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) for acquiring antibiofilm properties. Two QAC were synthesized, and the grafting conditions were investigated. The grafting was performed via hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as a linker1 . Obtained materials were analyzed using FTIR, SEM and Ion microscopy, DSC analyses, contact angle measurements, and standardized microbiological procedures to evaluate antibiofilm properties.