A new material to take on biofilms

Figure 1. This figure shows reduction of biofilm activity for pathogenic bacteria when exposed to Poly(Vinyl Alcohol-co-Ethylene) Halamine film when thickness is 1mm or greater. Image from Cossu et al, 2017.

Contamination is a persistent problem within the health and food service industries. The reason for this is the formation of biofilms on surfaces. Once a biofilm forms it becomes almost impossible to remove. However, in a new study conducted by Cossu and colleagues there is a promising new solution, these researchers tested a new copolymeric material containing halamine against the biofilms of two types of pathogenic bacteria and the material was not only able to reduce growth but it was also able to maintain its antimicrobial properties after repeated exposure. The thickness of the film showed a greater ability to inactivate the bacteria because of the rechargeable properties of the materials main component halamine. Figure 1 shows the potential for this material to be of use in reducing biofilm activity and growth. This study is key for the discovery and testing of new materials to use in environments that must be kept continuously clean to prevent illness.

Original Article:

Cossu A, Si Y, Nitin N. Antibiofilm effect of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol-co-Ethylene) Halamine film against Listeria innocua and Escherichia coli O157:H7. AEM 2017; e-pub ahead of print 11 August 2017, doi: 10.11281AEM.00975-17.