Rechargeable Antibacterial Poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) Nanofibrous Membranes

A novel antimicrobial material was developed by fabrication and surface functionalization of a poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) nanofibrous membrane. These nanofibers were made by melt extruding immiscible polymer blends of poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) and a sacrificial cellulose acetate butyrate, and subsequent extraction removal of the cellulose component. These nanofibers were dispersed and dried to form nanofibrous membranes. The average diameter of the nanofibers was about 150 nm, as determined by scanning electron microscopy. A biocidal halamine precursor, hydantoin-5-acetic acid, was introduced onto the surface of the nanofibrous membranes. FTIR was used to confirm the surface modification. Iodometric titration was used to measure the active chlorine content. Chlorinated hydantoin nanofibrous membranes showed efficient, durable, and rechargeable antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.