Phenothiazines exposed to 266 nm laser beam in interaction with fabric surfaces, in view of biomedical applications

Due to the multiple drug resistance (MDR) acquired by microbes, the existing medicines for treating infectious diseases lose effect; therefore it is necessary to develop new drugs or improve the old ones. A proposed method to fight MDR consists in producing medicines structural changes by exposure to laser radiation and obtaining this way new photoproducts with possible bactericide, fungicidal effects. This is the case of phenothiazines, which are photosensitive non-antibiotics, experiencing fast modifications at molecular level by exposure to UV laser beam. Impregnation of fabric surfaces with such solutions is relevant in developing new delivery procedures to targets. For this reason, the wetting properties of cotton and polyester surfaces have been studied. Results show improved wetting properties of phenothiazines solutions in comparison to ultrapure water. Cotton textile can be easier wetted with drug solutions than polyester. These fabrics may be used as drug delivery systems, knowing their wettability conditions. Acknowledgements: The NILPRP authors acknowledge research financing by CNCSIS–UEFISCDI via NUCLEU project PN 0939/2009. Authors also acknowledge COST Action MP1106.