Biocompatible antimicrobial cotton modified with tricarbimide-based N-halamine

Abstract

Two N-halamine precursors, 1-glycidyl-s-triazine-2,4,6-trione and 1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-s-triazine-2,4,6-trione, were synthesized and tethered onto cotton fabrics via the crosslinking agent 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid. The modified samples were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The modified fabrics were rendered biocidal activities upon exposure to dilute hypochlorite solutions. The chlorinated cotton swatches were challenged with Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC 43895) and exhibited excellent biocidal efficacy. The stability and rechargeability of the modified samples during washing and ultraviolet irradiation were also investigated. In vitro cell cytocompatibility studies demonstrated that the antibacterial cotton has good biocompatibility. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.