Uop Lcc

Louis J DeFilippi

Thomas P Malloy

Edwin J Latos

Michael E Childs

Lidia T Calcaterra

A broad class of antimicrobial fabrics result from graft copolymerization of a functionalized vinyl monomer onto a base fabric followed by reaction of the functional group of the graft copolymer, or some derivative thereof, with another functional group of an antimicrobial reagent with formation of a covalent bond. When electron beam irradiation is used to effect graft copolymerization virtually any organic fabric may be used. The multiplicity of functional groups on the graft copolymer also makes possible reaction with several different antimicrobials to afford a broad spectrum antimicrobial fabric.

Antimicrobial fabrics utilizing graft copolymers

Surface-modified electrodes which may be used in electrochemical cells for production of electrical energy comprise an enzyme immobilized on a support. The support consists of at least a monolayer coating of a carbonaceous pyropolymer possessing recurring units containing at least carbon and hydrogen atoms composited on a high surface area refractory inorganic oxide such that the carbonaceous pyropolymer monolayer coating replicates the surface area and macropore volume of the inorganic oxide. The coated support is then treated by impregnation with a water-soluble polyamine followed by contact with a solution of a molar excess of a bifunctional monomeric material to form a copolymer which provides pendant bonding sites. The copolymer is entrapped and adsorbed in the pores of the support material to provide a permanent attachment thereto. The treated support is then contacted with an excess of an enzyme to effect the conjugate attachment of the enzyme to the treated support. The immobilized enzyme will act as a working electrode in the presence of a predetermined substrate such as glucose to provide electrical energy.

Surface-modified electrodes

An antimicrobial fabric is comprised of an aminoalkylsilylated fabric to which is covalently bonded an antimicrobial agent through an intermediate polyfunctional spacer moiety. The antimicrobial agent is maintained well away from the fabric surface, thereby minimizing surface effects on antimicrobial action.

Antimicrobial fabrics

A magnetic support matrix for enzyme immobilization is prepared which comprises a porous, refractory inorganic oxide containing ferromagnetic particles dispersed throughout its interior and a polyamine cross-linked with an excess of a bifunctional reagent impregnated therein so as to furnish pendant functional groups. Such a magnetic support matrix does not otherwise substantially decrease loading of subsequently immobilized enzyme, nor in any other way substantially alter the properties of the immobilized enzyme system when compared to that prepared on a non-magnetic support.

Magnetic support matrix for enzyme immobilization

The activity and stability of immobilized enzymes may be improved by treating an immobilized enzyme comprising an enzyme covalently bound to polymeric material which is absorbed on an inorganic porous support material with a bifunctional monomeric material and a substrate followed by additional treatment with an enzyme and thereafter again treating the complex with additional bifunctional monomer and substrate.

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Mount Prospect, IL, United States of America

Louis J DeFilippi