Rapid disinfection by N-halamine polyelectrolytes

Two new N-halamine polyelectrolytes were synthesized, characterized, and deposited onto cotton fabric from a water solution using a layer-by-layer assembly technique. The fabrics were rendered biocidal by a dilute household bleach solution and challenged with Grampositive and Gram-negative bacteria. The chlorinated swatches (five bilayer coated) inactivated ~106 Staphylococcus aureus and Es…