Antimicrobial action of a unique phosphorus-adsorbent additive for resin, and the mechanism of its antimicrobial effect.

We found that an additive for a resin, which was comprised of collagen and aluminum (Al), showed a strong and stable antibacterial effect against various bacterium under certain conditions. We tried to clarify its mechanism of action, and investigated optimum conditions for its effects. This additive (Al cross-linked collagen powder: Al-COL) absorbed phosphorus in LB medium, gradually released aluminum in the phosphorus-reduced LB medium, and exhibited a bactericidal effect. Allophane was very suitable as the control subject, because it did not release Al in the medium, decreased phosphorus levels in the medium, and the phosphorus decrease led to a reduction in bacterial growth, though not to a bactericidal effect. On the other hand, the addition of Al to the phosphorus-reduced solution led to a bactericidal effect. These results suggested that Al can exert a strong antibacterial effect in the absence of phosphorus. This phenomenon was confirmed using film-shaped test items mixed with Al-COL powder. Furthermore, the reduction of phosphorus also synergistically led to the enhancement of the antibacterial effect of silver (Ag). The phosphorous absorption promoted the antibacterial action of Al and Ag, and Al, which has seldom been used as an antimicrobial agent, is available as an antibacterial agent in the absence of phosphorus.