The use of lactams to inhibit biofilm growth in durable non-wovens
Lead Participant:
UNILEVER U.K. CENTRAL RESOURCES LIMITED
Abstract
Within the nonwovens sector personal and household care, hygiene, medical and filtration products are
constantly challenged by microbial contamination. In durable nonwovens the hygiene problem is addressed
mostly through anti-microbials such as silver and quaternary ammonium compounds. However these present
environmental and toxicological risks, are of limited efficacy on biofilms, and also present a risk of increasing
microbial resistance. Recently the screening of a library of over 600 furanone derived lactams has revealed
variants that disrupt quorum sensing during biofilm growth and development. This feasibility project will
explore the application of these as anti-biofilm coatings on nonwoven textiles. Using different application
techniques during manufacture, analogues will be covalently and non-covalently bound within the matrices, or
at the surface, of polyolefin and cellulosic materials. The efficacy and durability of the antifouling coating on
nonwoven products will be explored and the possibility of a biotechnology platform that covers a range of
applications across durable nonwoven market segments will be assessed.
constantly challenged by microbial contamination. In durable nonwovens the hygiene problem is addressed
mostly through anti-microbials such as silver and quaternary ammonium compounds. However these present
environmental and toxicological risks, are of limited efficacy on biofilms, and also present a risk of increasing
microbial resistance. Recently the screening of a library of over 600 furanone derived lactams has revealed
variants that disrupt quorum sensing during biofilm growth and development. This feasibility project will
explore the application of these as anti-biofilm coatings on nonwoven textiles. Using different application
techniques during manufacture, analogues will be covalently and non-covalently bound within the matrices, or
at the surface, of polyolefin and cellulosic materials. The efficacy and durability of the antifouling coating on
nonwoven products will be explored and the possibility of a biotechnology platform that covers a range of
applications across durable nonwoven market segments will be assessed.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
---|---|---|
UNILEVER U.K. CENTRAL RESOURCES LIMITED | £50,000 | £ 25,000 |
  | ||
Participant |
||
UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS | £49,999 |
People |
ORCID iD |
Panos Kotsakis (Project Manager) |