title: In vitro biocompatibility studies of antibacterial quaternary polymers.
abstract: Quaternized copolymers of 4-vinylpyridine and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate are known to have antibacterial properties and have displayed biocompatibility in red blood cell hemolysis assays. The results from hemolysis assays have shown substantial promise, but the technique is rudimentary and only a first step toward the determination of biocompatibility. The present paper further explores the biocompatibility of these copolymers through comprehensive cell viability assays performed on Caco-2 human epithelial cells cultivated in vitro. We have shown that these copolymers are biocompatible at concentrations above their minimum bactericidal concentrations, leading to selectivity values that compare well with other microbicidal products.
authors.affiliation: School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, 701 West Stadium Avenue, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2044, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Stratton
authors.forename: Jenna L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Rickus
authors.forename: Jeffrey P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Youngblood
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity*; D018938:Caco-2 Cells; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D011108:Polymers / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers