Teong, S. P., Armugam, A., Chan, S. P., & Zhang, Y. (2023). Smart elastomer sanitizer with chemically bonded active compound and on‐demand‐release antimicrobial functionalities. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 140(37). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.54399
Abstract:
AbstractHand or surface sanitizers are all liquid‐based products which can be mainly categorized as alcohol or non‐alcohol based. The constant release of highly persistent disinfectants and chemicals is hazardous to the environment and human health. Herein, a new concept of solid elastomer sanitizer with inherent fast‐killing antimicrobial property is described. Silicone (PDMS) was chosen as the elastomer where the active antimicrobial component of imidazolium polymer (PIM) was carefully modified and incorporated into the PDMS matrix through strong covalent bonds. This chemically bonded antimicrobial component within PDMS acts via release‐on‐demand model which allows for the long‐term reusability of the material. The resulting material can serve as a reusable solid sanitizer that is toxic‐free and skin‐friendly with fast‐killing property. It was proven to sanitize our hands or surfaces and kill microbes within 30–60 s of contact, including ESKAPE pathogens, bacteria, fungi and MS2 bacteriophage. This new concept of solid sanitizer methodology will provide an interesting insight and infinite possibilities for extending to other types of elastomers with suitable or tunable antimicrobial components. This also helps to provide a safer and greener sanitizing model which can dramatically reduce the usage and/or release of disinfectants or harmful chemicals to the environment. The possibilities of extending to other elastomers also widen its potential applications.
License type:
Publisher Copyright
Funding Info:
This research is supported by core funding from: SERC
Grant Reference no. : NA
Description:
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Teong, S. P., Armugam, A., Chan, S. P., & Zhang, Y. (2023). Smart elastomer sanitizer with chemically bonded active compound and on‐demand‐release antimicrobial functionalities. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 140(37). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.54399, which has been published in final form at doi.org/10.1002/app.54399. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited."