Renewable antibacterial and antifouling polysulfone membranes incorporating a PEO-grafted amphiphilic polymer and N-chloramine functional groups

Abstract

Functionalized polysulfone (PSf) membranes with combined antibacterial and antifouling properties were fabricated by incorporating a poly(ethyleneoxide)-grafted (PEO-grafted) amphiliic polymer. Both antifouling and antibacterial groups were easily introduced onto the membrane surfaces through non-solvent induced phase separon process and a simple chlorination process. It was observed that the functionalized membranes were effectivatie in resisting both protein absorption and bacterial adhesion. Furthermore, the functionalized membrane (M3-Cl) showed mostly suppressed irreversible flux decline and a 97% flux recovery ratio after simple washing during the separation process, indicating excellent antifouling properties. Meanwhile, the functionalized PSf membrane exhibited efficient biocidal activity against E. coli and S. aureus. These modified functionalized PSf membranes also displayed outstanding properties in inhibiting the formation of biofilm. Moreover, the antibacterial feature was renewable by a simple process.