Application of a high throughput bioluminescence-based method and mathematical model for the quantitative comparison of polymer microbicide efficiency.
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.
Stratton
Thomas R
TR
School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, 701 West Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
García
R Edwin
RE
Applegate
Bruce M
BM
Youngblood
Jeffrey P
JP