Microbial infection and resistance to traditional antibiotics and biocides are significant problems in biomedical and food science disciplines, particularly in the industries of food packaging, medical devices, sanitation, and textiles. Antimicrobial polymers are preferred than small molecular biocidal agents, as polymers are more stable and non-migratory, possessing longer life expectancies. However, many of these antimicrobial polymers have been produced or modified from petroleum-based precursors. Some epoxy polymers that were covalently grafted with quaternary ammonium salt exhibited good bactericidal activity but had low water resistance. In the present study, a series of new bio-based epoxy curing agents have been synthesized from different phenolic-branched vegetable oil fatty acids and various polyamines. These curing agents were then used to cure commercial epoxy resins. The antimicrobial properties of the resulting epoxy polymers have been evaluated against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Conversion of vegetable oils into polymer coatings could potentially result in the development of bio-based polymer materials that can overcome the deficiencies associated with low molecular weight biocides. The polymers also have the potential to be used as food packaging materials or other diverse end uses.

New vegetable oil-based antimicrobial epoxy curing agents for packaging coatings

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.