Construction of antibacterial poly(ethylene terephthalate) films via layer by layer assembly of chitosan and hyaluronic acid

• Layer by layer assembling of chitosan and HA was developed onto PET films.
• Optimization of the surface modification of PET was carried out.
• Stability of PEMs with lysozyme and hyaluronidase enzymes was studied.
• Antibacterial properties of PEMs were compared with original commercial PET.

Polyelectrolytic multilayers (PEMs) with enhanced antibacterial properties were built up onto commercial poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films based on the layer by layer assembling of bacterial contact killing chitosan and bacterial repelling highly hydrated hyaluronic acid. The optimization of the aminolysis modification reaction of PET was carried out by the study of the mechanical properties and the surface characterization of the modified polymers. The layer by layer assembly was successfully monitored by TEM microscopy, surface zeta-potential, contact angle measurements and, after labeling with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FTIC) by absorption spectroscopy and confocal fluorescent microscopy. Beside, the stability of the PEMs was studied at physiological conditions in absence and in the presence of lysozyme and hyaluronidase enzymes. Antibacterial properties of the obtained PEMs against Escherichia coli were compared with original commercial PET.