Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Novel Polymers With Immobilized Antimicrobial Enzymes for Disinfection

EPA Contract Number: 68D00246
Title: Novel Polymers With Immobilized Antimicrobial Enzymes for Disinfection
Investigators: Hitchens, G. Duncan
Small Business: Lynntech Inc.
EPA Contact:
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 2000 through March 1, 2001
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2000) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Pollution Prevention , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Description:

Water-insoluble antimicrobial polymers have put a new spin on an old problem-maintaining a microbial-free water supply. These polymers may someday replace long-established disinfectants such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide, n-chloramines, and ozone in certain applications. The particular polymer proposed by Lynntech, Inc., in this Phase I project-an immobilized antimicrobial enzyme polymer-did not yield consistent, reproducible results. However, two alternative water-insoluble polymers, an oxygen-releasing polymer and a chlorine-releasing polymer, provided much success.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

The oxygen-releasing polymer was quite effective in eradicating gram-positive microorganisms and less effective in eradicating gram-negative microorganisms in stagnant and flowing water. A 100 percent oxygen-releasing polymer was unstable and an explosive hazard; therefore, an oxygen-releasing copolymer containing only a small amount of the active biocide was prepared. The copolymer performed better than expected and had the ability to remain antimicrobial over a prolonged storage time against Staphylococcus aureus.

The chlorine-releasing polymer was safe to handle as expected and proved to be very potent, eradicating Pseudomonas aeruginosa in flowing water in a very short time. The chlorine-releasing polymer beads seem to have the most application potential. A variety of water cartridge filtration systems as well as air filtration systems for medical, industrial, and household use could be designed utilizing the chlorine-releasing polymer either in bead form or as micronized particles for filter impregnation.

Conclusions:

Key advantages in utilizing water-insoluble oxygen-releasing copolymers and chlorine-releasing polymers are:

• Oxygen-releasing copolymers do not leach harmful byproducts in stagnant or
  flowing water.

• Chlorine-releasing polymers release only small amounts of residual chlorine to inactivate microbes. Most of the destruction is caused by direct contact between the microbe and the polymer particle.

• Both polymers can be regenerated after they have exhausted all of their active biocide.

• Both polymers could be incorporated into coatings to be used in a variety of medical, industrial, and consumer products.

• Both polymers would be relatively inexpensive to produce.
  

Supplemental Keywords:

biocidal polymer, oxygen-releasing copolymer, chlorine-releasing polymer, water disinfection, cartridge filters, antimicrobial air filters, odor control, antimicrobial coatings, antifouling polymers/coatings., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Health, Water, Sustainable Industry/Business, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Sustainable Environment, Microbiology, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Disease & Cumulative Effects, New/Innovative technologies, Engineering, Drinking Water, immobilized antimicrobial enzymes, clean technology, novel polymers, microorganisms, enzymes for disinfection, polymers, microbial risk management, packaging, biocides, alternative coatings, drinking water treatment, pollution prevention