Enzyme-Based Conjugates Capable of Bacterial Decontamination

Surfaces in hospitals and medical clinics can easily become contaminated with bacterial species that can rapidly spread, potentially causing infections. This is a serious health concern that medical establishments need to combat on a daily basis. Despite efforts to reduce the spread of bacteria through sterilization methods with harsh chemicals, there is no guarantee that all bacteria are killed in real time. Herein, the development of a coating containing an active decontaminating species is proposed. The coating is based upon the integration of bio-nano conjugates, comprised of a system of enzymes bound to nanosupports, into paints. The enzymes, glucose oxidase and chloroperoxidase, were bound physically and covalently, respectively to multiwall carbon nanotubes to increase the coating’s functionality. The surface chemistry and morphology of the conjugates were observed as well as the loading and activity of the enzymes upon immobilization. Activity was reported with respect to the free enzyme via colorimetric assays. Preliminary results suggest that the conjugate system generates the active decontaminant (hypochlorous acid) in concentrations that would be suitable for bacterial decontamination.