Abstract
A polyelectrolyte multilayer film with antimicrobial properties was prepared by the layer-by-layer technique on porous cellulose membranes by the alternate adsorption of hydrophobically modified polyvinylamine (PVAm) and polyacrylic acid. The approach included the introduction of negative charges onto cellulose membranes by NaBr and TEMPO-catalysed oxidation which created anchoring sites for the positively charged PVAm. The antibacterial activity of the cellulose membranes were tested with the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli as organism. A significant decrease in bacterial growth was observed with increasing number of polymeric bilayers (between three and six layers of cationic polymer) on the cellulose membranes. The antimicrobial property was ascribed to the modified PVAm.
©2009 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin New York
