title: Application of a high throughput bioluminescence-based method and mathematical model for the quantitative comparison of polymer microbicide efficiency.
abstract: Quaternized poly(4-vinyl pyridine)-based copolymers are known to be effective against a wide range of bacteria and possess biocompatible properties. Extensive testing of a wide range of copolymers is necessary to further explore and enhance the biocidal properties. However, testing is hampered by labor-intensive bacteria testing techniques. The present paper presents a new testing method, based on bioluminescent reporter strains to enable fast evaluation of bactericidal properties. The reported method enables us to create real-time characterization of bacteria behavior with far less labor than required through traditional testing methods. A mathematical model was also developed to characterize the change in bacteria populations exposed to biocides and to enable the quantitative comparison of minimum bactericidal concentrations.
authors.affiliation: School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, 701 West Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Stratton
authors.forename: R Edwin
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: Bruce M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Applegate
authors.forename: Jeffrey P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Youngblood