Rechargeable biocidal cellulose: Synthesis and application of 3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dione

An N-halamine precursor containing two hydroxyl groups (diol) has been synthesized. The N-halamine diol precursor was coated onto cotton fabrics with the assistance of the cross-linking agent BTCA. The surface of the coated cotton could be rendered biocidal by exposure to dilute hypochlorite solutions. Syntheses routes, characterization data, and antimicrobial test results will be presented. The durability and rechargeability of chlorine on the coated cotton was determined according to an AATCC standard washing test. The chlorinated cotton swatches were challenged with Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC 43895) and showed excellent efficacy against these two bacterial species within a brief time of contact. Over 70% of the chlorine lost after repeated washing or UVA irradiation could be regained upon rechlorination.