Mechanistic approaches on the antibacterial activity of poly(acrylic acid) copolymers

- The material acidifies attached water, changes its surface structure and micelles form.
- Surfaces containing acid-form PAA show the highest antimicrobial activity.
- Counter ions inhibit the antimicrobial activity.
- The material can be regenerated with acids.
- An ion-exchange between bacteria and the surface is the most probable mechanism for the bactericidal effect.