The antimicrobial activity of the cotton fabric grafted with an amino-terminated hyperbranched polymer

An amino-terminated hyperbranched polymer (HBP-NH₂) was grafted to cotton fabric by a reaction between the aldehyde groups of oxidized cotton fabric and the amino groups of the HBP-NH₂ to provide cotton fabric with durable antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial activities of the HBP-NH₂ aqueous solutions and the HBP-NH₂ grafted cotton fabrics were evaluated quantitatively against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The results indicated that the HBP-NH₂ grafted cotton fabric showed 92% of bacterial reduction to S. aureus and 95% of bacterial reduction to E. coli, respectively. The antimicrobial activities of the HBP-NH₂ grafted cotton fabrics were maintained at over 91% reduction level even after being exposed to 20 consecutive home laundering conditions. Several influence factors, which may affect the amount of HBP-NH₂ grafted onto the cotton fabrics, were also discussed.