Polymer-based antimicrobial compositions and methods of use thereof

Abstract

Provided is a polymer-based antimicrobial composition that is non-toxic, water soluble, and that mitigates the transmission of infectious diseases from surfaces. The composition comprises a cationic polymer, at least one adhesion promoter, optionally organic and/or inorganic particles that are photocatalytically active in visible light, and a carrier, in which the components of the composition are not covalently bound to one another. Also provided is an antimicrobial composition that comprises at least (i) a polyethylenimine-based polymer and a carrier or (ii) an organic and/or inorganic particle that is photocatalytically active in visible light, an adhesion promoter, and a carrier. The antimicrobial compositions can be applied to disinfect a surface and to form residual self-sanitizing films on the surface that are removable.

1 .- 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . An antimicrobial composition comprising a polydiallyldialkylammonium salt, a poly(acrylamide-co-diallyldialkylammonium salt), or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         31 . The antimicrobial composition of  claim 30 , comprising a polydiallyldialkylammonium salt. 
     
     
         32 . The antimicrobial composition of  claim 30 , wherein the diallyldialkylammonium is diallyldimethylammonium. 
     
     
         33 . The antimicrobial composition of  claim 30 , wherein the salt is an anion containing halide. 
     
     
         34 . The antimicrobial composition of  claim 33 , wherein the anion containing halide is chloride or fluoride. 
     
     
         35 . The antimicrobial composition of  claim 30 , further including an organic and/or inorganic particles that are photocatalytically active in visible light. 
     
     
         36 . The antimicrobial composition of  claim 35 , wherein the organic and/or inorganic particles that are photocatalytically active in visible light are selected from the group consisting of graphene, g-C 3 N 4 , a transition metal oxide, a transition metal sulfide, a transition metal selenide, a dye sensitizer, a conjugated polymer, a noble metal, and a mixture thereof. 
     
     
         37 . A method of killing microbes on a surface comprising applying to the surface the antimicrobial composition of  claim 30  and a carrier. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the carrier is evaporated to leave a residual self-sanitizing film on the surface. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the residual self-sanitizing film renders the surface bactericidal, virucidal, and/or germicidal.