Recognition and separation of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using polythiophene derivatives with phosphonium groups

Abstract

Water-soluble poly[3-(4-trimethylphosphinobutyl)thiophene bromide] (PTB), which has a phosphonium group at the end of its side chain and selectively recognizes and separates Gram-positive bacteria, was synthesized. Modifying its terminal group with an ethyl substitution greatly altered the bacterial response, notably causing abnormal fibrosis in Gram-negative E. coli.