Due to the prevalence of nosocomial infections, the need for enhanced precaution between health care provider and patient has increased. In attempt to eliminate scrubs as a transmission vector, this project focused on the methodology behind the integrity of known antibacterial terpolymers on scrub fabric. Terpolymer function of immobilization, water solubility, and antibacterial activity was tested through manipulation of the ratios of 1-(4-vinylbenzyl) thymine (VBT), vinylbenzyl trimethyl QUAT (TMQ), and vinylbenzyl dimethylhexadecyl QUAT (DMHDQ), respectively. To begin, solubility testing of varying ratios of VBT: TMQ: DMHDQ was conducted to assess polymeric ability to dissolve in solution for ease in polymer distribution during soaking. In addition to variation in monomer ratios, soaking and pre-treatment mordants were examined. Variation in time the scrubs were soaked in the terpolymer was manipulated between one minute and twenty-four hours. All variants of polymers were coated and washed ten times to assess for permeance after laundering. Electrostatic attraction of an anionic dye, trypan blue, to the polymer on treated scrubs was used for quantification of terpolymer permanence. In a period of time that the toxicology of commercially available unbound quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) is highly scrutinized, this method addresses the growing concerns associated with excess use of cleaning solutions in attempt to prevent infection. The permanence testing of this terpolymer will determine if this method may be used in application to prevent the spread and increased resistance of bacterium in healthcare settings.<br/>

Antimicrobial VBT:TMQ:DMHDQ (1-(4-vinylbenzyl) thymine, vinylbenzyl trimethyl QUAT, and vinylbenzyl dimethylhexadecyl QUAT) terpolymer permanence and performance on hospital scrubs

2019 Spring National Meeting

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