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

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.