An Advanced Polymeric Antimicrobial for Non Woven Fabrics and Solid Materials including Spun Plastic Resins

摘要

Spore bio-terror agents such as anthrax are the most menacing bio-terror species to guard against. They are very tenacious and adhere strongly to materials such as fabric and filter medium. Anthrax spores are very hardy and can survive superheated steam for two hours. They can survive for an extended period of time under dry conditions. Anthrax can be destroyed under certain conditions. They are killed in air on exposure to ultraviolet light. Other methods include incineration, steam autoclaving, exposure to formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, household bleach, ethylene oxide, beta-propiolactone and peracitic acid. Such processes are conducted as decontamination processes. Until now, there were no biocides or antimicrobials deemed effective for anthrax preventative measures. The presented research has demonstrated such an antimicrobial. The antimicrobial has been incorporated into collective and personal protective materials including non wovens and is capable of destroying anthrax in-situ. Such materials have wide ranging bio-defense, homeland defense and commercial implications.