NOVEL USE OF POLYMERS

摘要

The invention provides a method for the removal of bacteria from media, the method comprising the steps of : (a) providing a stimulus responsive polymer adapted to be capable of binding bacteria; (b) applying said functionalised polymer to the medium so as to facilitate binding of the polymer to bacteria; and (c) removing the polymer and polymer-bound bacteria from the medium. In preferred embodiments the method provides for the use of thermoresponsive polymers functionalised by the incorporation of bacteria-binding ligands in the removal of bacteria from wounds. The invention also envisages the use of the disclosed polymers for the removal of bacteria from media.