SBIR-STTR Award

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I proposes to develop antibacterial surfaces and textiles for commercial applications. A series of novel potent dendrimer biocides has been identified, which can be used alone to kill microorganisms, or bound to polymer substrates to produce non-leaching biocidal polymers. The aim of this program is to chemically graft these potent microbiological agents to a polymer backbone and optimize these polymer systems using electrospinning techniques to fabricate inherently antimicrobial microfiber webs. Electrospinning can be performed on a small scale, to produce webs with a high surface area to volume ratio. This optimizes the exposure of the grafted biocide at the surface, where it can exert its microbiological effects. Physical and biological characterization of the resulting webs will be performed. The commercial applications of this project are to develop materials for use where bacterial contamination and infection controls are required, including but not limited to food and beverage handling, water treatment, medical devices, textile manufacture and antimicrobial filters.

This Small Business Technology Transfer Innovation Research (STTR) Phase II project proposes the development of a unique family of biocidal polymers that have been shown to be non-leaching, and do not require regeneration or refreshment of activity. The Phase I study demonstrated the synthesis of these polymers containing potent broad-spectrum biocides. The polymers were spun into nanofiber webs using electrospinning techniques. The webs were challenged with bacteria and a 99% reduction in bacterial viability in one hour was demonstrated. The Phase II program will continue to explore the electrospinning processing of the polymers. The polymers will be optimized for activity against bacteria, viruses and molds. Microscopic and mechanical tests will be performed on materials to identify structure-property relationships. The commercial application of this technology will be in textile products where antimicrobial protection is critical, e.g., homeland security (biodefense) garments, first responders emergency clothing, hospital garments and supplies, etc. Current systems are water leachable and use can lead to reduced protection.