Polymeric Materials with Biocidal Action

• Requirements that must be fulfilled by Polymeric biocidal materials:
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Non-toxic
  • Economically viable
  • Antifouling & antimicrobial activity to a broad range of pathogenic microorganisms
  • Longevity of their action
• Synthetic Methods
• Incorporation of antimicrobial agents to performed polymers
• Synthesis of antimicrobial monomers & subsequent polymerization

• Introduction of biocidal agents in polymeric materials
  • Introduction through electrostatic interactions (temporary binding)
  • Introduction through covalent attachment (permanent binding)

• Action of the antimicrobial polymeric materials
• Controlled release of antimicrobial agents
• Destruction of bacteria immediately on contact

Functional Polymeric Materials with Permanent and/or Controlled Released Biocidal Species

Relevant Publications:

• S. Ikonomopoulou, A. K. Andreopoulou, A. Soto, J. K. Kallitsis, G. A. Voyiatzis, “Controlled Release of Antimicrobial Substances from Polymeric Matrices”,J. Controlled Release, 102, 223 (2005).
• M. Tyllianakis, E. Dalas, M. Christofidou, J. K. Kallitsis, A. Chrissanthopoulos, P. G. Koutsoukos, C. Bartzavali, N. Gourdoupi, K. Papadimitriou, E. K. Oikonomou, S. N. Yannopoulos, D. Sevastos. J. Mater. Sci.: Mater. Med. 21, 2201 (2010).
• E. K. Oikonomou, Z. Iatridi, M. Moschakou, P. Damigos, G. Bokias, J. K. Kallitsis  Development of Cu²⁺- and/or phosphonium-based polymeric biocidal materials and their potential application in antifouling paints, Progress in Organic Coatings 75 (2012) 190–199.
• E. Kougia, M. Tselepi, G. Vasilopoulos, G.Ch. Lainioti, N.D. Koromilas, D. Druvari, G. Bokias, A. Vantarakis, J.K. Kallitsis “Evaluation of antimicrobial efficiency of new polymers comprised by covalently attached and/or electrostatically bound biocidal species, based on quaternary ammonium compounds”, Molecules 20, 21313–21327 (2015).
• D. Koromilas G. Ch. Lainioti G. Vasilopoulos A. Vantarakis, J. K. Kallitsis “Synthesis of antimicrobial block copolymers bearing immobilized bacteriostatic groups”, Polymer Chemistry 7, 3562-3575 (2016).

Granted Patents:

• C. Katsichtis, E. Tsartolia, A. Papadopoulos, S. Ikonomopoulou,K. Andreopoulou, A. Soto, J. Kallitsis, G. Voyiatzis. European Patent Number: 04386006,3/6-5-2004.
• “Antimicrobial and antifouling properties of polymer blends based on polystyrene sulfonated phosphonium salts combined with various polymer matrixes” E. Oikonomou, C. Papadopoulou, I. Kallitsis, G. Vogiatzis, S. Oikonomopoulou, C. Katsichtis, Gr Patent Number GR 1005443 B1, Date 15/02/1007.