Poly(propylene)-based Films Modified with a Tetracationic Phthalocyanine with Applications in Photodynamic Inactivation of Candida albicans

Abstract

Photoactive films based on polymer-like poly(propylene) were generated and utilized as support of zinc(II)tetramethyltetrapyridino[2,3-b:2′,3′-g:2″,3″-l:2″′,3″′-q]porphyrazinium salt (ZnTM2,3PyPz). Using a photograft polymerization of acrylic acid, the poly(propylene) film was functionalized with carboxyl groups (PP-g-PAAc), which attached ZnTM2,3PyPz by electrostatic bond to form PP-g-PAAc-Pc films. In vitro investigations indicated that PP-g-PAAc-Pc films produced photodynamic inactivation of Candida albicans cells, mainly mediated by a contribution of type II process. According to the results, the photodynamic activity produced by the PP-g-PAAc-Pc film and visible light irradiation can successfully inactivate C. albicans deposited on the surface of the films.