PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A CLAY-POLYVINYLPYRIDINIUM MATRIXFOR THE REMOVAL OF BACTERIAL-CELLS FROM WATER

Polyvinylpyridinium salts were immobilized onto a clay matrix and were then tested for their antibacterial properties. The clay-polyvinylpyr idinium matrix was prepared by the copolymerization of gamma-methacryl oxypropyltriethoxy silane bonded covalently to clay and 4-vinylpyridin e and subsequent quaternization with benzyl halides. Suspension tests for antibacterial properties of the immobilized bactericide against Es cherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa demo nstrated the high activity of the pyridinium salts that are bonded to the polyacrylate spacer. Advantageously, these insoluble clay-polymer bactericides could be applied without any contamination by the substra te.