Antimicrobial polymeric surfaces

Abstract

Bactericidal compositions are disclosed that comprise a polymeric compound immobilized on a material. Medical devices are also disclosed which comprise such a bactericidal composition. Methods are disclosed for covalently derivatizing the surfaces of common materials with an antibacterial polycation, e.g., poly(vinyl-N-pyridinium bromide); the first step of the methods involves coating the surface with a nanolayer of silica. Various commercial synthetic polymers derivatized in this manner are bactericidal, i.e., they kill on contact up to 99% of deposited Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whether deposited through air or water.

1 . A composition, comprised of a material and a compound immobilized at said material, wherein said immobilized compound is a polymer, wherein said polymer is not insoluble in water.  
   
   
       2 - 35 . (canceled)