A series of colloidal antimicrobial and anti-biofouling coating materials used for solid and porous surfaces exposed to air and liquid (e.g., water) environments are developed. Multiple cationic polymers were formulated in a compatible micellar structure and exhibit “contact killing” and “anti-adhesion” properties. The coating is a colloidal suspension of hollow, round particles consisting of at least two or more polymers such as functionalized biopolymers. The particle size can be controlled with the use of stabilizer and through cross-linking. Coating on surfaces can be prepared by spray coating, dip-coating, wash-coating and wiping, or via use of chemical linkers. Complex coating can be assembled by layer-by-layer coating method. The colloids can be incorporated into paints and epoxy...[ Read more ]

A series of colloidal antimicrobial and anti-biofouling coating materials used for solid and porous surfaces exposed to air and liquid (e.g., water) environments are developed. Multiple cationic polymers were formulated in a compatible micellar structure and exhibit “contact killing” and “anti-adhesion” properties. The coating is a colloidal suspension of hollow, round particles consisting of at least two or more polymers such as functionalized biopolymers. The particle size can be controlled with the use of stabilizer and through cross-linking. Coating on surfaces can be prepared by spray coating, dip-coating, wash-coating and wiping, or via use of chemical linkers. Complex coating can be assembled by layer-by-layer coating method. The colloids can be incorporated into paints and epoxy resin for direct application on surfaces. The resultant coating is stable in air and water, and could resist erosion by water flow. The coating is designed to be safe and effective for industrial, commercial, municipal and household usage.

Several kinds of antimicrobial tests were conducted. The results have proven that the designed coating materials provided a long-term bactericidal efficiency against tested microorganisms, including S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis. The coating has also been proven effective for anti-adhesion purpose in aquatic environment. In addition, the coating has been used in several field tests as a protective addition on air filters and the results were acceptable. All results demonstrated that the coating materials has a broad applications prospect for industrial applications and public places.