Photoactive nanocoating for controlling microbial proliferation on polymeric surfaces

A novel antimicrobial polymeric surface coating involving photo-activated generation of the well-known microbiocidal agent hydrogen peroxide was investigated. Modified poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) polymers were prepared containing anthraquinone (AQ) moieties attached covalently to the amino functional groups of the PEI chains. These AQ-modified PEI polymers were applied from solution to the surface of corona-treated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films. Photoreduction of the PEI-bound anthraquinone derivatives occurred on exposure to low energy UV light, resulting in efficient production of hydrogen peroxide from the coated film on exposure to air.