Methods of use and processes for preparing alcoholic solutions of polyvinylpyridine polymers
Inventors
BOULOUSSA, Houssam • Bouloussa, Othman
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12290072-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
Provided is a process for preparing an alcoholic solution of a polyvinylpyridine polymer having biocidal and biocompatibility properties. The alcoholic solution is ready-to-graft in order to confer biocidal properties to various surfaces and to prevent biofilm formation on such surfaces. Also provided are methods of using the alcoholic solution, such as for controlling the growth of bacteria, fungi and/or viruses, and/or for preventing digestion of wood cellulose by wood-boring insects.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a ready-to-graft alcoholic solution of a partially quaternized statistical polyvinylpyridine copolymer for stable biocidal and biofilm-preventing surface coatings. The copolymer is deposited and grafted on an activated surface to control the growth of at least one of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The polymer includes quaternized moieties providing cationic character suitable for biocidal activity.
The PVP polymer comprises a first quaternized PVP moiety comprising a butyl chain and a second quaternized PVP moiety comprising methylcatechol or propyltrimethoxysilane. The copolymer is formed by a one-step reaction of PVP with monomer A and monomer B to obtain a target N+/N ratio of about 44±2%.
A key feature is the avoidance of spontaneous volume reticulation during storage, notably when monomer A is used at a fixed proportion. The document supports the approach by determining the N+ fraction using PM-IRRAS and by demonstrating biocidal and biofilm performance on grafted surfaces, including morphological changes and biocompatibility results.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers depositing and grafting an alcoholic solution of a quaternized statistical PVP polymer onto an activated surface to control at least one of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, using two different quaternized PVP moieties with defined chemical bases. Across the family, dependent claims refine the specific quaternizing agents and add composition and structural constraints for the quaternized N-containing repeat units.
Alcoholic depositing and grafting on an activated surface
A method depositing and grafting on an activated surface an alcoholic solution comprising a polyvinylpyridine polymer to control the growth of at least one of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
First quaternized PVP moiety comprising a butyl chain
The PVP polymer comprises a first quaternized PVP moiety comprising a butyl chain.
Second quaternized PVP moiety comprising methylcatechol or propyltrimethoxysilane
The PVP polymer comprises a second quaternized PVP moiety comprising methylcatechol or propyltrimethoxysilane.
Specific second-moiety quaternizing agent options
The second quaternized PVP moiety is defined by quaternizing agents including chloromethylcatechol or iodopropyltrimethoxysilane.
Quaternizing agent for the butyl-chain moiety
The first quaternized PVP moiety is quaternized with bromobutane.
Range of N-containing repeat units
The polymer comprises 12±2% to 45±3% of the specified N-containing repeat unit shown by the image.
Defined polymer structure by formula II
The polymer comprises a structure of formula II, including a conjugated backbone with N+ heterocycles and a pendant Si(OCH3)3 group, with X% indicated in the structure.
Overall claim coverage focuses on controlling microbial growth by grafting an alcoholic solution of a statistical, partially quaternized PVP that contains both a butyl-chain quaternized moiety and a second quaternized moiety based on methylcatechol or propyltrimethoxysilane. Dependent claims further specify the quaternizing agents and constrain the N-containing repeat-unit content and polymer structure via formula I and formula II as described in the patent family summary.
Stated Advantages
Provides stable biocidal and biofilm-preventing surface coatings.
Maintains a target N+/N ratio (about 44±2%) and avoids spontaneous volume reticulation during storage.
Enables biocidal killing and anti-biofilm performance on grafted titanium surfaces.
Supports biocompatibility with viability depending on cationic density and reaction time, as assessed by MTT assays on L929 fibroblast and MC3T3 osteoblast precursor cell lines.
Provides an application concept for inhibiting wood cellulose digestion or killing enzyme-producing gut microorganisms in a wood-boring insect context, as described in the document.
Documented Applications
Controlling the growth of at least one of bacteria, fungi, and viruses by depositing and grafting the quaternized PVP onto activated surfaces for biocidal and anti-biofilm coating use.
Anti-biofilm and biocidal use on grafted titanium surfaces.
Biocompatibility assessment use on surfaces, supported by MTT assays on L929 fibroblast cells and MC3T3 osteoblast precursor cells.
A wood-boring insect-related use case is described, involving inhibition of digestion of wood cellulose via enzyme inhibition or killing enzyme-producing gut microorganisms.
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