Super-repellent photodynamic bactericidal hybrid membrane

Abstract

Biomaterial-associated infections caused by pathogenic bacteria have become an urgent threat to public health. Efficient bactericidal strategies that can inactivate bacteria without triggering antimicrobial resistance (AR) are highly desired. Herein, we present a synergistic antibacterial membrane with superhydrophobic and photodynamic bactericidal properties via a facile non-solvent induced phase separation process (NIPS). Benefiting from the excellent liquid-repellence, the synergistic antibacterial hybrid membrane resists most of bacterial adhesion at the initial stage. Subsequently, few of adhered bacteria can be easily eliminated by photodynamical therapy (PDT), in which the bactericidal activity is mediated by cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) under the visible light illumination, avoiding the risk of AR. This synergistic membrane exhibits highly effective antibacterial performances, as demonstrated by the total kill against Gram-positive S. aureus, and Gram-negative E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Moreover, the membranes also display essential non-fouling performances, as testified by both whole blood adhesion as well as self-cleaning test. Due to its simplification and high-efficiency, this type of membrane may find potential applications as an antibacterial platform for bacterial infection-resistant areas.