Highly effective antimicrobial surface modification of polylactide prepared by supercritical fluid technology

• A new material based on PMTABul and polylactide was designed and synthesized. • Antimicrobial properties (PMTABul) and biodegradability (PLA) enhance functionality. • 90% biofilm inhibition against A. baumannii, E. coli, S. aureus , and MRSA confirmed. • Supercritical fluid technology (SFT) was used to deposit PMTABul on PLA films. • Optimizing PMTABul content via SFT enables design of specific hospital packaging. Antimicrobial surface treatment has emerged as an effective strategy to control microbial growth and mitigate infection spread across various materials, including plastics, metals, and textiles. These modifications enhance hygiene, extend material lifespan, and reduce environmental impact by lowering the need for frequent cleaning and disinfection. Their application spans healthcare, food production, and industry due to their ability to inhibit bacteria, fungi, and viruses. A variety of materials and methods are used to produce these modifications, with supercritical fluid technology (SFT) gaining prominence for its high efficiency and eco-friendliness. This study focuses on developing an antimicrobial surface by integrating poly[3-butyl-5-(2-methacryloyloxy)ethyl]-4-methylthiazol-3-ium iodide (PMTABul) with polylactide (PLA) using SFT. The resultant blend was characterized using spectroscopic, morphological, and thermal analysis techniques. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed against bacterial strains Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus , and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), demonstrating significant inhibition of biofilm formation (80-90 %) and potential for broad-spectrum antimicrobial applications.