Highly effective antibacterial polycaprolactone fibrous membranes bonded with N-Halamine/ZnO hybrids

Several hybrid membranes were prepared by chemical bonding of N-halamine/ZnO nanoparticles onto poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) using a free radical polymerization strategy. The chlorination process led to the formation of N-Cl bonds. Hybrid membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscope , Fourier transform infrared spectra , X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analyzer. The membranes showed quick response in killing bacteria and provided complete inactivation of about 6 logs of inoculated S. aureus (ATCC 6538) and E. coli O157:H7 (ATCC 43,895) within 5 min and 10 min of contact time, respectively. The constructed micro-nano structure also exhibited good hydrophobic, air-permeable, and mechanical performances. Moreover, their prominent UV light stability could decrease the loss of chlorine and the biocidal hydantoin moiety and provide potent antibacterial stability. The obtained data strongly encourage the use of the composite membranes for food packaging.