Antimicrobial Acrylic Resins

The antimicrobial coatings market was valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 6.3 billion by 2026. In recent years, the importance of antimicrobial coatings in combating epidemic diseases such as Covid-19 and SARS has become evident once again (Figure 1.) [1,2]. Antimicrobial coatings can be defined as coatings containing antimicrobial agents that prevent the growth and multiplication of microorganisms. These coatings are used particularly in construction, food and healthcare sectors. Research continues on preventing the proliferation of viruses, bacteria and fungi and other harmful microorganisms in public areas, hospitals, schools and other locations with high human traffic [2]. In this context, while metallic nanomaterials (such as silver and copper) have been widely used in recent years, there is growing interest in polymer-based coatings utilizing different organic materials. Chlorine is a chemical that kills bacteria and viruses. Polymeric coatings in which chlorine is immobilized have been found to kill microorganisms, viruses and bacteria. Quaternary ammonium compounds have been determined to be effective against viruses and bacteria, and antimicrobial and antibacterial coatings have been obtained by grafting these compounds to polymeric network structures through covalent bonds or incorporating them into the polymer main chain [3]. [caption id="attachment_103517" align="aligncenter"] Figure 1. Coronavirus [2][/caption]  Due to the environmental and health hazards of disinfectants that kill and prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and mold, their short-term effectiveness, and the damage they cause to the surfaces on which they are applied, the development of polymeric coatings that maintain long-term effectiveness and are safe for health is important [4,5]. Because physical blends cannot ensure homogeneity and active materials added tend to leave the structure over time, it has become important to bind antimicrobial agents to polymers through covalent bonds. Research continues on adding antimicrobial agents to polymeric binder resins, which are present in significant proportions in materials used in almost every field such as paints and varnishes, in order to kill harmful microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and mold and prevent their spread [6-9]. As İzel Kimya, we market solvent-based single and two-component acrylic resins. Single-component acrylic resins are used in the production of many paints such as road markings, flooring and metal, while two-component acrylics have been developed for protecting wood and metal surfaces where UV resistance is required in outdoor areas. Within the scope of developing acrylic resins with different properties, our work continues on modifying acrylic monomers and their use in obtaining single and two-component acrylic polymers showing antimicrobial and antibacterial effects, as well as determining their effectiveness.

References

1. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/ antimicrobial-coatings-market-report 2. https://www.deccanherald.com/science-andenvironment/antimicrobial-surface-coating-killscoronavirus-for-90-days-838584.html 3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimicrobial_ surface#Antimicrobial_additives 4. https://www.das.org.tr/kitaplar/kitap2009/ pdf/109-120%20Ufuk%20Abbasoglu.pdf 5. http://www.ctf.edu.tr/stek/pdfs/60/6015.pdf 6. Butt, H., Graf, K., Kappl, M. Physics and Chemistry of Interfaces. 2003. Wiley-VCH. 7. http://www.cmu.edu/maty/materials/Propertiesof-well-defined/functional-biomaterials.html 8. https://nano-care.com/blog/permanent-antimicrobial-surface-coating/ 9. Garcia, I.M., Rodrigues, S.B., de Souza Balbinot, G. et al. Quaternary ammonium compound as antimicrobial agent in resin-based sealants. Clin Oral Invest 24, 777–784 (2020). Dr. Cemil Dızman Research and Development Manager İzel Kimya Caner Arar Research and Development Researcher İzel Kimya