Polyhexamethylene biguanide silane antimicrobial coating for long-lasting surface and fabric protection
Antimicrobial polymer technology combining PHMB with silane groups to deliver broad-spectrum germ-killing at low concentrations on fabrics and surfaces. Validated to achieve 99.99% germ reduction with durability through multiple wash cycles, suitable for scalable commercial production.
Overview
This technology offers a durable antimicrobial coating based on poly(hexamethylenebiguanide) hydrochloride (PHMB), an EPA-registered polymeric antimicrobial, enhanced with silane groups that bond strongly to surfaces. The combined agent is designed to kill a broad spectrum of germs at very low concentrations while providing long-lasting protection, particularly on fabrics. The approach leverages the proven safety and efficacy profile of PHMB and adapts Dow-Corning 5700–style silane surface chemistry to create a versatile antimicrobial finish.
Technical specifications
- Mechanism of action: The positively charged biguanidine groups interact with negatively charged microbial membranes, disrupting them and killing germs. The polymeric structure allows a high local concentration of active groups even when overall formulation levels are low.
- Surface bonding: Silane functionalization enables strong Si–O bond formation with a variety of substrates, anchoring the antimicrobial polymer to the surface for durable performance.
- Formulation example: PHMB (Mw ~2,000) alkylated with chloroalkylsilane at a biguanidine-to-silane ratio of 150:1, diluted in an ethanol/water system at 1% weight concentration.
- Application method: Fabric or surface treatment for approximately 30 minutes, followed by drying.
- Performance validation: Tested against E. coli using standard methods such as EN 1276 and ASTM E2274, demonstrating strong antimicrobial inhibition. After 10 wash cycles (5 minutes each in deionized water), treated fabric retained strong antimicrobial activity, with collaborator testing confirming 99.99% germ reduction.
- Scalability: Production processes are readily adaptable to commercial manufacturing scales.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development. Proof-of-concept has been demonstrated on fabric with validated germ-killing performance and wash durability. Future work includes optimizing PHMB molecular weight, refining silane conjugation chemistry and ratios, and developing application-specific formulations with appropriate stability, appearance, and scent. The underlying components (PHMB and silane surface chemistry) are well-supported by existing literature and EPA registration data, providing a strong foundation for further development and commercialization.
About University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida is a comprehensive public research university in Orlando and one of the nation’s largest, classified as Carnegie R1. Industry partnerships are enabled by the adjacent Central Florida Research Park and a Health Sciences Campus in Lake Nona Medical City, anchored by a joint‑venture teaching hospital with HCA Healthcare; UCF also co‑leads the Florida High Tech Corridor. A university‑wide co‑op and internship infrastructure connects employers to talent, and the UCF Business Incubation Program offers soft‑landing sites and venture support across multiple locations. Research is backed by competitive federal funding, with DoD, NSF, NASA and NIH among UCF’s top sponsors. A dedicated Office of Technology Transfer streamlines IP protection, licensing and industry agreements, supported by the UCF Research Foundation.
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