N-Halamine-Containing Electrospun Fibers Kill Bacteria via a Contact/Release Co-Determined Antibacterial Pathway

Abstract

N-Halamine-based antibacterial materials play a significant role in controlling microbial contamination, but their practical applications are limited because of their complicated synthetic process and indistinct antibacterial actions. In this study, novel antibacterial N-halamine-containing polymer fibers were synthesized via an one-step electrospinning of N-halamine-containing polymers without any additives. By adjusting the concentration of precursor and the molecular weight of polymers, the morphology and size of the as-spun N-halamine-containing fibers can be regulated. The as-spun fibers showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. After an antibacterial assessment using different biochemical techniques, a combined mechanism of contact/release co-determined killing action was evidenced for the as-spun N-halamine-containing fibers. With the aid of contact action and/or release action, this combined mechanism can allow N-halamines to attack bacteria, making the as-spun fibers wide in the application of antibacterial fields, whatever it is in dry or wet environment. Also, a recycle antibacterial test demonstrated that the as-spun fibers can still offer antibacterial property after five recycle experiments.

Novel hydrophilic N‐halamine polymer with enhanced antibacterial activity synthesized by inverse emulsion polymerization

“…The research of inhibition zone has provided some information for the bactericidal mechanism of N ‐halamines. The research of inhibition zone has provided some information for the bactericidal mechanism of N ‐halamines . It shows that the bactericidal effect can be achieved by releasing oxidized chlorine.…”

“…Goddard's group has synthesized an efficient antibacterial coating by compounding N ‐halamines into the coating . Liang and coworkers have synthesized antibacterial composites with graphene oxide and titanium dioxide, and Dong and coworkers have prepared the composites of N ‐halamine polymer by electrospinning . At present, most of the monomers used to synthesize N ‐halamine polymers are mainly methyl methacrylate compounds, and most of the polymers are hydrophobic .…”

Rechargeable polyamide-basedN-halamine nanofibrous membranes for renewable, high-efficiency, and antibacterial respirators

“…In response to this challenge, various antibacterial agents have been developed for application in protective masks, such as silver nanoparticles, 10,11 chitosan, 12 silk, 13 soy protein isolates, 14 N-halamines, 15 etc., among which N-halamines exhibit absolute advantages over others owing to their high biocidal activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria, long-term structural stability, and rechargeable antibacterial properties. 16,17 Generally, rechargeable N-halamines can be formed by the substitution of hydrogen on the amide nitrogen, generating halogen atoms with a strong oxidative state, which can kill bacteria by damaging their structures. 16,18 By virtue of the desirable properties of abundant amide groups, easy accessibility, and good processibility, polyamides (PAs) have great potential for the preparation of N-halamine structured biocidal materials.…”

Novel antibacterial fibers of amphiphilic N‐halamine polymer prepared by electrospinning

“…Electrospinning technique provided us a successful and efficient physical method to synthesize various composite fibers in antibacterial fields; some of the research groups have begun to utilize nanotechnology in the synthesis of N ‐halamine‐based nanoparticles in antibacterial applications . Nanosized N ‐halamines, resulting from effective polymeric methods and the combination of advanced nanotechnology, have attracted increasing attention in the antibacterial field due to their enhanced antibacterial efficiency …”

“…26 Nanosized N-halamines, resulting from effective polymeric methods and the combination of advanced nanotechnology, have attracted increasing attention in the antibacterial field due to their enhanced antibacterial efficiency. 27,28 As hydrophilic and hydrophobic components in polymers played crucial roles, an important understanding to the optimal hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance, hydrophobic content, and facial amphiphilicity was strongly correlated with antimicrobial activity and selectivity of polymers. 29 Water dispersible/soluble polymers are advantageous in terms of industrial applications and environmental concerns.…”