Antimicrobial microfibers from electrospinning

Abstract

Microfibers and nanofibers containing quaternary ammonium polymers and / or interpenetrating polymer networks are provided. For example, a microfiber or nanofiber including a blend, composite, or interpenetrating polymer network is provided. The blend, composite or interpenetrating polymer network can include (i) a polyethyleneimine intermediate, in which the polyethyleneimine intermediate includes a reaction product of reagents including a polyethyleneimine and one or more alkylating agents; at least one of the one or more alkylating agents introduces hydroxyl group functionality or thiol group functionality on the polyethyleneimine intermediate; and nitrogen atoms present in the polyethyleneimine intermediate that are partially or completely quaternized by the one or more alkylating agents; and (ii) a hydroxy-functionalized oligomer, polymer, or copolymer including pendant and / or terminal hydroxy group(s).

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