Synthesis of a Novel N-Halamine Biocidal Co-polymer with Superior dry and solution Stability and Enhanced Antibacterial Efficacy

Pathogens are able to survive on surfaces of various materials such as medical devices, health care products, water purification systems, hospital and dental office equipment, and food packaging supplies for extended amount of time which potentially could lead to cross-contamination and microbial infections. We recently synthesized a copolymer which combines N-halamine and oppositely charged monomers to create a novel antimicrobial coating compound. Synthesis of this copolymer follows a safe reaction route which does not require long reaction times and does not utilize highly hazardous chemicals such as cyanides. Solutions of this copolymer were prepared and spray-coated onto titanium surfaces. Stability and antibacterial efficacy of this coating material were evaluated by chemical titration and biological tests, respectively. Coated surfaces inactivated 100% of both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria within one minute of contact time. Furthermore, the coating and surface chlorine content can be adjusted by tuning the copolymer formulation and spray solution concentration for customized applications. This coating, unlike other N-halamine coatings which require halogen treatment after applying the coating, eliminates the halogen treatment step since it is prepared as a pre-chlorinated and ready-to-use product. As a result, our product has excellent capacity to be produced on large-scale and applied as a high-performance, low-cost, and ready-to-use coating on variety of surfaces for disinfection and biofilm control applications