Vancomycin-conjugated polythiophene for the detection and imaging of Gram-positive bacteria

Abstract

) via a reactive ester-amine reaction, resulting in the formation of water-soluble and fluorescent vancomycin-containing polythiophene (PTPVan). Since vancomycin can selectively interact with Gram-positive bacteria and kill them, the antibacterial properties of PTPVan were evaluated. The detection of Gram-positive bacteria was carried out by observing the color change and the fluorescence response of bacteria upon incubation with PTPVan through the naked eye and a fluorescence spectroscope, respectively. The staining of Gram-positive bacteria was observed using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM).