The synthesis and biocidal efficacies of two PEG-N-halamine polymers w
ere reported. The N-halamines are classified as dichlorohydantoins and
chloroimidazolidin-4-ones, which were attached to a methoxy-poly(ethy
lene glycol) terminated amine. A 1000 ppm solution of each N-halamine
polymer was prepared in water and it was demonstrated that Staphylococ
cus aureus was inactivated (6 logs) when it was in contact with these
polymeric solutions for ten minutes. The stability of these solutions
was determined over prolonged periods of time, as well as the biocidal
efficacies. These polymeric materials show commercial potential as su
rface active biocides if the poly(ethylene glycol) moiety can be ancho
red to a surface.