Hybrid PANI-halamine design, synthesis and antibacterial activity

This study describes the design, preparation and testing of a series of novel hybrid antibacterial polymers based on polyaniline (PANI) and halamine. A melamine-aniline monomer was synthesized and utilized as end groups in the polymerization of aniline, under ultrasonic field, followed by chlorination under mild acidic conditions, to afford the desired hybrid materials. PANI-halamine hybrids were characterized by FTIR-ATR, SEM and EDAX. The combined biostatic and biocidal activity of PANI and active chlorine was investigated against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. In contrast to parent PANI, the hybrids were found to exhibit diffused antibacterial activity, resulting in inhibited bacterial growth zones. It was found that, apart from the obvious active species in the polymers, added surfactants like DBSA, had strong influence on release of active chlorine from the hybrid halamine moieties, thus diminishing the antibacterial efficacy of the final hybrids.

Automated summary

This study successfully designed and prepared a novel hybrid antibacterial polymer based on polyaniline and halamine, and characterized and tested it. The results showed that the hybrid material exhibited strong antibacterial activity, inhibiting the growth of bacteria effectively. Additionally, the added surfactant influenced the release of active chlorine from the hybrid, diminishing the antibacterial efficacy.