Polymer controls bacteria and prevents antibiotic resistance

It is claimed the discovery could be an important breakthrough in the search for environmentally-friendly ways to control bacteria while preventing antibiotic resistance and resistant bacteria.

‘We have managed to find an antibacterial polymer that attaches stably to cellulose and therefore cannot be released into the environment,’ said Josefin Illergård, a chemistry researcher at KTH.

Illergård said the team’s discovery is based on cellulose fibres embedded in a polymer, which kills bacteria. Cellulose is the most common organic substance in nature and the primary structural component of plant cell walls.  The active polymer is so strongly bonded to the fibres of the cellulose material that it does not loosen or leak into the environment via water.

Antibacterial agents such as triclosan and silver ions are commonly used in sportswear and shoes to remove unpleasant odors from bacteria formation. However, such biocides leak into the environment when the treated garments or surfaces are washed, raising the risk that bacteria will gradually become resistant to their effect.