Antibacterial activities effectuated by co-continuous epoxy-based polymer materials

We report antibacterial activities of the epoxy-resin-based monolithic media (epoxy monoliths) having macroporous co-continuous structure as well as hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic surface. Utilizing epoxy monoliths containing ammonium groups, the antibacterial experiments were examined using Escherichia coli. As the results, the monolithic media prepared with an epoxy monomer having nitrogen atoms clearly showed antibacterial activities, while those prepared using the monomer without nitrogen atom showed less antibacterial activities. Additionally, the quaternization of the epoxy polymers were expressed significant antibacterial activities. Further studies elucidated that the observed antibacterial activities involved the steep effect based on pH changing of solution and hydrophobic interactions by the quaternary ammonium.

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► We developed novel epoxy based monoliths for antibacterial materials.
► Amine groups in monolith worked for antibacterial activities.
► Ammonium in monolith afforded higher antibacterial activity.
► Dual mechanism both pH change and hydrophobicity affected the functionality.