Preparation and characterisation of grafted polysaccharides based on sulphadiazine

Purpose - To prepare bioactive polymeric materials by grafting methods and characterisation of the biological activity of such materials. Design/methodology/approach - New bioactive polysaccharides were prepared by grafting of acrylonitrile onto water soluble starch and the resulted material was reacted with bioactive heterocyclic rings, converting to N-halamine biocidal polymers by chlorination and to polyquats by converting it to quaternary ammonium salts using hydrochloric acid. The biological activity of the materials prepared against gram positive and gram negative bacteria was studied by three methods. Findings - Most of the bioactive materials prepared showed high disinfecting power against bacteria. Research limitations/implications - The bioactive materials were prepared by grafting of acrylonitrile onto starch and then reacting the resultant material with sulphadiazine. Many other heterocyclic rings that contain tertiary nitrogen atoms or amide group can also be used. Practical implications - The new bioactive materials prepared can be used in disinfection of drinking water, swimming pools, etc. Originality/value - The materials prepared and the use of such materials for disinfection were novel.