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Published on: December 15, 2015
In Situ Preparation of Chlorine-Regenerable Antimicrobial Polymer Molecular Sieve Membranes
Yu Zhang1,2, Yiduo Qian1, Yuheng Wen3
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China.
Abstract:
Microbial contamination has profoundly impacted human health, and the effective eradication of widespread microbial issues is essential for addressing serious hygiene concerns. Taking polystyrene (PS) membrane as an example, we herein developed report a robust strategy for the in situ preparation of chlorine-regenerable antimicrobial polymer molecular sieve membranes through combining post-crosslinking and nucleophilic substitution reaction. The cross-linking PS membranes underwent a reaction with 5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DMH), leading to the formation of polymeric N-halamine precursors (PS-DMH). These hydantoinyl groups within PS-DMH were then efficiently converted into biocidal N-halamine structures (PS-DMH-Cl) via a simple chlorination process. ATR-FTIR and XPS spectra were recorded to confirm the chemical composition of the as-prepared PS-DMH-Cl membranes. SEM analyses revealed that the chlorinated PS-DMH-Cl membranes displayed a rough surface with a multitude of humps. The effect of chlorination temperature and time on the oxidative chlorine content in the PS-DMH-Cl membranes was systematically studied. The antimicrobial assays demonstrated that the PS-DMH-Cl membranes could achieve a 6-log inactivation of E. coli and S. aureus within just 4 min of contact time. Additionally, the resulting PS-DMH-Cl membranes exhibited excellent stability and regenerability of the oxidative chlorine content.
Insights
Researchers developed chlorine-regenerable antimicrobial polymer membranes using N-halamine structures. These membranes effectively eliminate bacteria like E. coli and S. aureus, offering a reusable solution for hygiene concerns.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Chemistry
- Antimicrobial Technologies
Background:
- Microbial contamination poses significant risks to human health and hygiene.
- Developing effective antimicrobial materials is crucial for public health.
- Existing solutions may lack durability or regenerability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create chlorine-regenerable antimicrobial polymer molecular sieve membranes.
- To develop a robust strategy for in situ preparation of these membranes.
- To investigate the antimicrobial efficacy and stability of the developed membranes.
Main Methods:
- Post-crosslinking and nucleophilic substitution reactions were employed.
- Polystyrene (PS) membranes were modified with 5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DMH) to form PS-DMH precursors.
- Chlorination converted PS-DMH precursors into N-halamine structures (PS-DMH-Cl).
- Spectroscopic (ATR-FTIR, XPS) and microscopic (SEM) analyses confirmed membrane composition and morphology.
- Antimicrobial assays evaluated inactivation of E. coli and S. aureus.
Main Results:
- The PS-DMH-Cl membranes exhibited a rough, humped surface morphology.
- Optimized chlorination conditions determined oxidative chlorine content.
- A 6-log reduction of E. coli and S. aureus was achieved within 4 minutes.
- The membranes demonstrated excellent stability and regenerability of antimicrobial activity.
Conclusions:
- A novel strategy for preparing chlorine-regenerable antimicrobial polymer membranes was successfully developed.
- The PS-DMH-Cl membranes show high efficacy against key bacterial strains.
- These materials offer a promising, reusable solution for critical hygiene applications.
