Biocidal polymers (II): Determination of biological activity of novel N-halamine biocidal polymers and evaluation for use in water filters

Novel N-halamine biocidal polymers were prepared by co-polymerizing a heterocyclic ring-based monomer with tolylene-2,6-diisocyanate and toluene-2,4-diisocyanate. The resulting polyurethanes were halogenated; chlorinated, brominated or iodinated. The rate of bacterial killing by the halogenated derivatives was determined both with and without halogen quenching and one of them was evaluated for use in water filters. The effect of these polymers on bacterial growth-rates was also determined. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.