Innovative colorimetric detection of clinical Gram-negative bacteria using low-cost bacteriostatic barbiturate polymers

This study introduces the synergistic antibacterial activity derived from the combination of barbituric acid derivatives with PVC, PMMA and PMMMA polymers. The barbiturates - C1, C2, and C3, exhibit potent Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values and clear selectivity towards Gram-positive bacteria in solution, resulting in inhibitory activity at exceptionally low concentrations (0.19–0.0015 μg/mL). By integrating these barbiturates within polymeric matrices, an advanced antibacterial polymer was obtained. This novel material facilitates the dual benefit of detecting Gram-negative bacterial colonies via colorimetric alterations, while simultaneously providing a broad-spectrum antibacterial approach, effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The potential of these barbiturate-enhanced polymers is substantial, not least because of their cost-effective nature. Their inherent feature of enabling naked-eye selective alterations, positions them as an efficient, onsite tool for monitoring contamination by E. coli and P. aeruginosa in clinical environments. Thus, these polymers open a new horizon for innovative, rapid, and low-cost strategies in microbial contamination control and patient safety.