Ionic Liquid-Assisted Antibacterial Membranes: Successful Preparation and Enhanced Antibacterial Effect

In this study, we synthesized a supramolecular antibacterial ionic salt, [PHMB][Sal], based on poly(hexamethylene biguanide) hydrochloride (PHMB) and sodium salicylate (SS) to endow plastic membranes with antibacterial function. The antibacterial composites of polyelectrolyte-nonsteroidal ionic salt can be blended with polymer materials, such as polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), because the melting point of the salt can be coordinated with that of the polymer material. The properties of the prepared membranes containing polyelectrolyte-nonsteroidal ionic salts did not change significantly. The mechanical properties and antimicrobial activities of the prepared hydrophobic membranes were investigated. When 3% of [PHMB][Sal] was added, the antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were 4.12 and 4.30, respectively, and the antibacterial rate was as high as 99.9%, exhibiting extremely excellent antimicrobial properties. Biodegradable [PHMB][Sal] membrane materials are expected to be used in medical environments as well as on packaging surfaces in logistics, which can effectively prevent bacterial cross-infection.