Quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agents and their application in antifouling coatings: a review

The construction of coatings on the surface of materials to avoid contamination is a common means of antifouling that has been extensively and systematically studied. Currently, adding biocide components to the coating to kill bacteria and other adherent microorganisms on the material's surface is the most effective way. However, the loss of effective bactericidal components can cause the coating to lose its long-lasting antimicrobial performance. To solve this problem, the use of organic polymeric antimicrobial agent quaternary ammonium salts came into being. The quaternary ammonium salt component can be chemically bonded to the polymer matrix in the coating, effectively avoiding the loss of the active ingredient. Quaternary ammonium salts mainly achieve bactericidal purposes through interaction with cell membranes, and their antimicrobial activity is closely related to the molecular structure. This article mainly summarizes the relevant research progress of quaternary ammonium salt compounds and divides their application in antifouling coatings into two major categories: quaternary ammonium salt grafted polymer matrix and quaternary ammonium salt compounded with inorganic particles through different doping methods of quaternary ammonium salt in antifouling coatings, summarizing the relevant research in recent years. Graphical abstract