Antimicrobial coating of an N-halamine biocidal monomer on cotton fibers via admicellar polymerization

The monomer 3-(4′-vinylbenzyl)-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (VBDMH) was synthesized and used to coat cotton fibers by admicellar polymerization using a cationic surfactant. The coated thin-film on cotton was characterized by FTIR and SEM. After chlorination with dilute sodium hypochlorite, the polymeric-coated cotton fabrics effectively inactivated both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in relatively brief contact times. The stability and rechargeability of the coated cotton fabrics were very good as evidenced by standard washing tests.