title: Surface self-concentrating amphiphilic quaternary ammonium biocides as coating additives.
abstract: A variety of amphiphilic quaternary dimethylammonium compounds bearing n-alkyl and oxyethylene groups have been designed and synthesized as antimicrobial additives for use in self-decontaminating surfaces. The effectiveness of these additives stems from a unique ability to self-concentrate at the air-polymer interface without the incorporation of exotic perfluorinated or polymeric functionalities. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis reveals surface enrichment as high as 18-fold, providing a 7-log reduction of both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The migration to the surface is a consequence of the hydrophobicity of the additive within the hydrophilic polyurethane resin, over which an unprecedented level of control can be exerted by altering the lengths of the n-alkyl and oxyethylene groups. Thus, for the first time, specific surface and bulk coating concentrations can be achieved as desired using a single class of antimicrobial additives.
authors.forename: Matthew B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Harney
authors.forename: Ramesh R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Pant
authors.forename: Preston A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Fulmer
authors.forename: James H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Wynne
mesh_terms: D004202:Disinfectants / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects*; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D056951:Photoelectron Spectroscopy; D011140:Polyurethanes; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D004202:Disinfectants; D011140:Polyurethanes; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D013501:Surface-Active Agents