Surface modification of organic substrates such as polymers by novel re-generable antimicrobial N-halamine technology has shown great success in preventing microbial growth and cross contamination. However, functionalization of inorganic substrates such as stainless steel with antimicrobial moieties and regeneration of the biocidal properties remains an important area of research. This work demonstrated a successful synthesis of a copolymer of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-(5-methylhydantoinyl)propane and 3-cloro-2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HACM) and modification of a stainless steel (SS) surface through covalent attachment of the HACM copolymer via grafting. Synthesized monomers and copolymers were characterized by NMR and FTIR spectral analyses. HACM-modified SS surfaces were rendered antimicrobial upon treatment with dilute bleach, possessing a sufficient amount of chlorine content and excellent stability and durability. The modified SS samples were characterized through chlorine quantification by titration analysis, FTIR and XPS confirming covalent attachment onto the SS surfaces. Antimicrobial efficacies were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria, and a rapid inactivation of microorganisms was observed within 15 min of contact time. The samples showed superior washing stabilities and re-generabilities. After 5 cycles of washing, there was a very minimal change in the initial chlorine contents, and the chlorine content could be recharged to its initial number of Cl atoms/cm2 suggesting that a strong and stable copolymer attachment onto the surface could be achieved. However, only a moderate stability of the coatings was observed after UVA irradiation. These results indicate that N-halamine precursor polymers can be facilely applied to SS surfaces by covalent bonding without a need of binding organic layer, and that robust, re-generable antimicrobial SS surfaces could be prepared via the novel technology. This technology exhibits potential for use in food processing, prevention of biofilm formation, and in the biomedical and health-care industries to support the prevention and reduction of cross-contamination and health-care related infections.

N-halamine surface functionalization of stainless steel substrates with dual antimicrobial and regenerable character for potential use in the food industry

255th National Meeting (2018)

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