Azetidinium-functionalized polymers

An innovative antimicrobial finishing for textile materials based on Azetidinium-functionalized polymers was developed. This antimicrobial finishing is only active upon contact with bacteria. The scientists functionalized poly(ethylene imine)s with a hydrophobic modified and a reactive Azetidinium coupler in defined ratios. The functionalized polymers form into physically crosslinked nanogels that were by an order of magnitude more active than a commercially available polymer product.