Engineering antimicrobial coating of archaeal poly-γ-glutamate-based materials using non-covalent crosslinkages

We are now entering a new age of intelligent material development using fine, sustainable polymers from extremophiles. Herein we present an innovative (but simple) means of transforming archaeal poly-γ-glutamate (PGA) into extremely durable polyionic complexes with potent antimicrobial performance. This new supra-polymer material (called PGA/DEQ) was subjected to nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray diffraction spectroscopies to characterize in structural chemistry. Calorimetric measurements revealed its peculiar thermal properties; to the best of our knowledge, it is one of the most heat-resistant biopolymer-based polyionic complexes developed to date. PGA/DEQ is particularly useful in applications where surface functionalization is important, e.g., antimicrobial coatings. The spontaneously assembled PGA/DEQ coatings (without any additional treatments) were remarkably resistant to certain organic solvents (including chloroform), even at high salt concentrations (theoretically greater than those found in sea water), and various pH values. However, the pH-response tests also implied that the PGA/DEQ coatings could be removed only when concentrated citrate di-salts were used, whereas most crosslinked polymer composites (e.g., thermoset matrices) are difficult to recycle and treat downstream. We also discuss PGA/DEQ-immobilized surfaces that exhibit enigmatic microbicidal mechanisms.