Dual-Functional Antifogging/Antimicrobial Polymer Coating

Dual-functional antifogging/antimicrobial polymer coatings were prepared by forming a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (SIPN) of partially quaternized poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) and polymerized ethylene glycol dimethacrylate network. The excellent antifogging behavior of the smooth coating was mainly attributed to the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance of the partially quaternized copolymer, while the covalently bonded, hydrophobic quaternary ammonium compound (5 mol % in the copolymer) rendered the coating strongly antimicrobial, as demonstrated by the total kill against both Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis and Gram-negative Escherichia coil. The antimicrobial action of the SIPN coating was based on contact killing, without leaching of bactericidal species, as revealed by a zone-of-inhibition test. This type of dual-functional coating may find unique applications where both antimicrobial and antifogging properties are desired.