Reversibly Switching the Function of a Surface between Attacking and Defending against Bacteria

Abstract

Attack or defend! A smart polymer surface has two reversibly switchable equilibrium states, a cationic N,N-dimethyl-2-morpholinone (CB-Ring) and a zwitterionic carboxy betaine (CB-OH). CB-Ring will kill bacteria upon contact under dry conditions, whereas CB-OH will release the previously attached and dead bacteria and further resist adhesion of bacteria under wet conditions. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.