Supramolecular poly(vinyl alcohol)-based hydrogels containing quercetin for bacterial and fungal elimination

Supramolecular hydrogels were obtained through cross-linking PVA with quercetin (Q) since it exhibits anti-microbial and antifungal properties apart from forming hydrogen bonds with PVA. This strategy allows for the preparation of the hydrogels with desired physicochemical properties and the ability for the elimination of bacterial and fungal strains. Most importantly, the hydrogels exhibit an inhibitory effect against fluconazole-resistant yeast strains. Apart from hydrogel's antimicrobial properties, the color of the hydrogels gradually changes depending on the bacteria strains. This feature indicates that these Q-crosslinked hydrogels can also be a sensors for different bacteria strains. All these advantageous features of hydrogels composed of supramolecular networks predispose their applications as highly effective antimicrobial and antifungal materials for food pres-ervation or wound healing.