Surface Activity and Self Assembly of Alkylammonium Halide End Groups Imparts Antimicrobial Activity to Thermoplastic Polyurethanes

摘要

Polymeric biomaterials with ‘built-in’ antimicrobial properties may reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections. Approaches include controlled release of antimicrobial agents, e.g., iodine or silver [1], or covalent binding to the polymer backbone, albeit with increased water swelling and reduced wet strength [2]. It is desirable to have strong, easily-processed hydrophobic polymers, with long-term antimicrobial efficacy, without using leachable additives. Here we report the preparation of strong thermoplastic polycarbonate urethanes (TPCU) with self-assembling alkylammonium halides, present only as end groups covalently bonded to the TCPU during synthesis [3], i.e., before device or component fabrication.