Antimicrobial VBT:TMQ:DMHDQ (1-(4-vinylbenzyl) thymine, vinylbenzyl trimethyl QUAT, and vinylbenzyl dimethylhexzdecyl QUAT) terpolymer permanence and performance on hospital scrubs

Due to the prevalence of nosocomial infections, the need for enhanced precaution between health care provider and patient has increased. In attempt to eliminate scrubs as a transmission vector, this project focused on the methodology behind the integrity of known antibacterial terpolymers on scrub fabric. Terpolymer function of immobilization, water solubility, and antibacterial activity was tested through manipulation of the ratios of 1‐(4‐vinylbenzyl) thymine (VBT), vinylbenzyl trimethyl QUAT (TMQ), and vinylbenzyl dimethylhexadecyl QUAT (DMHDQ), respectively. To begin, solubility testing of varying ratios of VBT: TMQ: DMHDQ was conducted to assess polymeric ability to dissolve in solution for ease in application. This ease in application allows for versatility in use beyond nursing scrubs in less porous surfaces such as light switches and phone screens. In addition to variation in monomer ratios, soaking and pre‐treatment mordants were examined. Electrostatic attraction of an anionic dye, trypan blue, to the polymer on treated scrubs was used for quantification of terpolymer permanence. In a period of time that the toxicology of commercially available unbound quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) is highly scrutinized, this method addresses the growing concerns associated with excess use of cleaning solutions in attempt to prevent infection. The permanence testing of this terpolymer will determine if this method may be used in application to prevent the spread and increased resistance of bacterium in healthcare settings. This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal .