The use of beta-lactams to prevent biofilm growth in durable nonwovens

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Within the nonwovens sector personal and household care, hygiene, medical and filtration products are constantly challenged by microbial contamination. In durable nonwovens the hygiene problem is addressed mostly through anti-microbials such as silver and quaternary ammonium compounds. However these present environmental and toxicological risks, are of limited efficacy on biofilms, and also present a risk of increasing microbial resistance. Recently the screening of a library of over 600 furanone derived lactams has revealed variants that disrupt quorum sensing during biofilm growth and development. This feasibility project will explore the application of these as anti-biofilm coatings on nonwoven textiles. Using different application techniques during manufacture, analogues will be covalently and non-covalently bound within the matrices, or at the surface, of polyolefin and cellulosic materials. The efficacy and durability of the antifouling coating on nonwoven products will be explored and the possibility of a biotechnology platform that covers a range of applications across durable nonwoven market segments will be assessed.