Facile preparation of effective and durable antibacterial coatings based on poly(Q4VP-co-4VP-co-BA)

As the prevalence of bacterial infections on diverse material surfaces continues to rise globally, the demand for the development of surfaces with durable and effective antibacterial properties becomes more imperative. Herein, we developed a cationic polymer coating consisting of quaternized 4-vinylpyridine groups, 4-vinylpyridine groups, and butyl acrylate groups. Quaternized 4-vinylpyridine groups were utilized to confer antibacterial properties, while butyl acrylate groups were incorporated to enhance adherence to the substrate and flexibility of the material. The presence of the quaternary 4-vinylpyridine endowed the coating with excellent broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, with a maximum sterilization rate above 99%. The antibacterial properties assay revealed that the content of cationic group, the kind of substrates, as well as the length and type of alkyl chains significantly influenced the effectiveness and stability of antibacterial properties of cationic coatings. Cationic polymers can efficiently disrupt the integrality of the bacterial cell membrane, leading to the death of bacteria, which can be observed by scanning electron microscopy. In summary, the obtained cationic polymers that serve as effective, durable, and environmentally friendly antibacterial coatings without releasing harmful substances will have a much broader application potential in diverse application fields.