Influence of photosensitizer concentration and polymer composition on photoinduced antimicrobial activity of PVA- and PVA-chitosan-based electrospun nanomaterials cross-linked with tailor-made silicon(IV) phthalocyanine.

The ongoing effort to eradicate pathogenic bacteria and viruses is a major endeavor that requires development of new and innovative materials. Materials based on photodynamic action represent an emerging and attractive area of research, and therefore, a broad understanding of chemical design principles is required. In the present study, we investigated the antibacterial and antiviral activities of five different nanofibrous membranes composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) or poly(vinyl alcohol)-chitosan mixture cross-linked through silicon(IV)phthalocyanine derivative with the aim to identify the role of the carrier polymer and photosensitizers concentration on its efficacy. A straightforward cross-linking process was adopted to create a water-stable material with an almost uniform distribution of the fiber structure, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. The results of the antimicrobial studies showed that the increase in the amount of chitosan in the polymer mixture, rather than the increase in the photosensitizer concentration, enhanced the activity of the material. Due to their visible light-triggered antimicrobial activity, the resulting materials provide valuable opportunities for both topical antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and the area of environmental remediation.