Contact-active Antibacterial Polymeric Materials

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention describes a method to create polymer surfaces (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane) coated with a special cationic (positively charged) polymer layer that has strong antibacterial properties. This is achieved by activating the plastic surface with atmospheric-pressure plasma, treating it with a concentrated solution of a specific polymerizable salt, and then polymerizing the salt by heating. The resulting coated material is highly effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, forms a stable and durable layer, does not release harmful biocides into the environment, and has reduced permeability to hydrocarbons.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Medical devices such as catheters, syringes, and joint prostheses to reduce infection risk.
• Antibacterial films and wraps for food packaging to enhance hygiene and food safety.
• Surfaces and equipment in hospitals and clinical environments to prevent bacterial colonization and biofilm formation.
• Water pipes, hoses, and closed fluid circulation systems (e.g., cooling circuits) for continuous disinfection of water and prevention of microbial contamination.
• Conveyor belts, cutting boards, and work surfaces in food processing and pharmaceutical industries.
• Filters and absorbers to remove dissolved polar pollutants, drugs, or contaminants from water or other liquids.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides long-lasting and robust antibacterial protection directly on plastic surfaces without the need to release biocidal agents.
• Prevents the formation of bacterial biofilms and significantly reduces contamination risk in sensitive environments.
• Environmentally friendly due to non-leaching of harmful chemicals, reducing the risk of building microbial resistance and environmental pollution.
• Maintains original mechanical and physical properties of the base plastic (such as color, flexibility, and strength).
• Can be applied to various common polymers and is suitable for large-scale, cost-effective industrial production.
• Also acts as an effective barrier to non-polar solvents (hydrocarbons), adding protective properties to packaging and components.
• Offers versatility; the surface characteristics (e.g., color, hardness) can be tailored with additives during the coating process.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention provides a new polymeric material coated by a cationic polymer, which is active as an anti-bacterial product and has low permeability for non-polar solvents. The coated polymeric material may be obtained by activating the surface of a polymeric carrier material by atmospheric-pressure plasma, treating the activated polymeric carrier material with a concentrated solution of a polymerizable quaternary phosphonium or ammonium salt, and polymerizing the quaternary phosphonium or ammonium salt by action of heat.