Durable and biocompatible antibacterial N-halamine membranes based on cellulose carbamate

Increasing attention had been paid to the antibacterial and safety properties of membrane materials. The cellulose carbamate membrane (RCCM) without antibacterial properties would limit its applications in the food packaging industry. Herein, the antibacterial N-halamine regenerated cellulose carbamate membrane (RCCM-Cl) was manufactured by sodium hypochlorite solution treating the inherent amide of RCCM. The chemistry and mechanics properties of RCCM and RCCM-Cl were investigated. The antibacterial properties, cell compatibility, rechargeability and durability stability of RCCM-Cl were evaluated. Results demonstrated that the functional RCCM-Cl exhibits remarkable antibacterial activity which could sterilize Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus within 1 min in the first contact period. The breaking strength, elongation at breaking, and transparency of RCCM-Cl retained 148.6 MPa, 8.1%, and 94%, respectively. In addition, antibacterial RCCM-Cl with active chlorine content exhibits excellent cell compatibility, regenerability, storage stability and stability in water.