Carboxymethylcellulose-based aggregation-induced emission antibacterial material for multifunctional applications

Polysaccharides are ubiquitous in nature, typically harmless, and highly compatible with various tissues in biomedical contexts. These properties make them attractive for use in multifunctional materials. In this study, the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) antibacterial material (PLOCMC) was successfully synthesized by carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and ε-Poly-Lysine (ε-PL). PLOCMC exhibits not only the AIE property but also a room temperature phosphorescent (RTP) phenomenon. This dual emission behavior enhances its potential applications in chemical sensing and anti-counterfeiting. Notably, PLOCMC shows low cytotoxicity and exhibits antibacterial activity against typical Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, making it a potent agent against a variety of bacterial strains. Additionally, PLOCMC demonstrates specific responsiveness to Fe³⁺ ions and nitrite, indicating its potential utility in food safety and monitoring applications.