Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Novel Polymers With Immobilized Antimicrobial Enzymes for Disinfection
EPA Contract Number: 68D00246Title: 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, Health, Scientific Discipline, 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 preventionThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.