Onium-functionalised Polymers in the Design of Non-leaching Antimicrobial Surfaces

Biocides are widely explored in the design of materials and surfaces in order to address a variety of problems, such as biodeterioration, biofouling or infections. Materials with migrating biocides are under scrutiny due to potential health and environmental risks, as well as instability of the antimicrobial activity in time. This paper focuses on the onium-functionalised polymers in the design of bioactive materials and surfaces, which are capable to kill micro-organism or efficiently inhibit their growth on contact. The review highlights synthetic and processing routes towards the integration of onium functionalities into solid materials. The influence of materials structure on the antimicrobial activity and possible applications are discussed.