Antimicrobial activity of model microplastics loaded with a toxic polycation

A comparative investigation of the antimicrobial activity of a cationic polymer [poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)], model microplastics consisting of anionic butadiene–α-methylstyrene copolymer microspheres, and electrostatic polymer–microsphere complexes was undertaken. The polymer demonstrates a high antimicrobial activity towards gram-positive bacteria S. aureus and gram-negative bacteria E. coli, the microspheres being practically inert, while the activity of complexes is comparable with the activity of polycation at the same concentration. This means that microplastic particles loaded with toxic substances have a significant negative impact on microorganisms in aquatic environment.