(332h) Combining Airbrushing and Complex Coacervates As a Step Toward Novel Bandage Indicators

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a common cause of healthcare-associated infections and remain a substantial cause of morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and death. Specifically, SSIs are infections that occur within a month after surgical operation or a year after implant surgery. The CDC estimates there were approximately 110,800 SSIs associated with inpatient surgeries in 2015, and despite advances in infection control practices, there is still an increase in cases. By improving monitoring techniques and protocols, medical personnel will increase the detection of possible infections earlier than during a visual inspection, allowing early intervention critical for reversing infection. We combine solution blow spraying, or airbrushing, with complex coacervation, a liquid-liquid phase separation phenomenon. Using a commercial airbrushing setup, we successfully sprayed complex coacervate solutions of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) in potassium bromide solution. Variables, including the distance between the nozzle of the airbrush and the substrate, the air pressure, salt concentration, and static versus sweeping motion, changed the morphology of the droplets sprayed onto the substrate. We expanded our system to include carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a second polyanion to complex with PDADMAC, moving toward more biocompatible polymers. Additionally, we encapsulated fluorescent dyes and pH indicators in our systems. We sprayed them onto our substrate to evaluate their ability to carry small molecule cargo and their applicability as pH indicators. Our investigations will further lay the groundwork for sprayable bandages to explore other functionalities, such as anti-microbial coatings.