Introduction: The importance of antibacterial coatings and market status
In modern society, the spread of bacteria and microorganisms has become an important challenge in the field of public health. Whether in hospitals, food processing industry, or in daily life, people urgently need effective antibacterial technologies to prevent the breeding and spread of bacteria. Although traditional antibacterial methods, such as chemical disinfectants and physical cleaning methods, can inhibit bacterial growth to a certain extent, they often have problems such as inconvenient use, short-lasting effects, and even negatively affecting the environment and human health. Therefore, the development of new, efficient and environmentally friendly antibacterial materials has become a hot topic in scientific research and industrial applications.
In recent years, antibacterial coatings have gradually attracted widespread attention as an emerging solution. The antibacterial coating can effectively prevent bacteria from adhesion and reproduction by forming a film with antibacterial properties on the surface of the object, thereby achieving long-term antibacterial effect. Compared with traditional antibacterial methods, antibacterial coating has the following advantages: First, it can give antibacterial properties without changing the original structure and function of the object; second, the use of antibacterial coating is more convenient, and only one application is required. Long-term protection can be achieved by spraying; later, the material selection of antibacterial coatings is more extensive and can be customized according to different application scenarios and needs.
At present, some antibacterial coating products based on different chemical components have appeared on the market, such as silver ions, copper ions, titanium dioxide, etc. However, these traditional antibacterial coatings still have some limitations, such as silver ions are susceptible to light and temperature, resulting in a decrease in antibacterial effect; copper ions may cause potential harm to the human body and the environment; while titanium dioxide needs to be exposed to ultraviolet light to be able to function Antibacterial effects limit their application scope. Therefore, developing a new, efficient, environmentally friendly and stable antibacterial coating has become the common goal of current scientific research and industry.
This article will focus on a novel antibacterial coating based on 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI). As an organic compound, EMI has excellent antibacterial properties and good biocompatibility, and has shown great potential in the field of antibacterial materials in recent years. By modifying and optimizing EMI, the researchers successfully developed a novel antimicrobial coating and conducted a comprehensive evaluation of its performance. Next, we will introduce in detail the research and development background, preparation methods, performance testing and future application prospects of this new antibacterial coating.
The chemical structure and antibacterial mechanism of 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI)
2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) is an organic compound with a unique chemical structure and the molecular formula is C7H10N2. EMI belongs to an imidazole compound, and the imidazole ring is its core structure, with two nitrogen atoms, located in positions 1 and 3 respectively.Set. The special structure of the imidazole ring makes it highly polar and hydrophilic, and can interact with a variety of biological molecules. In addition, the EMI molecule also contains an ethyl group (-CH2CH3) and a methyl group (-CH3). The existence of these two substituents not only increases the hydrophobicity of the molecule, but also gives EMI better solubility and stability. .
The antibacterial mechanism of EMI mainly relies on the interaction of nitrogen atoms on its imidazole ring with the phospholipid bilayer on the bacterial cell membrane. Specifically, EMI molecules can be inserted into the phospholipid bilayer of bacterial cell membrane through electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic effects, destroying the integrity of the cell membrane, leading to ion imbalance and metabolic disorders inside the bacteria, and eventually causing bacterial death. Studies have shown that EMI has shown significant antibacterial activity against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including common pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
In addition to directly destroying bacterial cell membranes, EMI can also enhance its antibacterial effect through other channels. For example, EMI can bind to key biological molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids in the bacteria, interfering with the normal physiological function of the bacteria. In addition, EMI can induce bacteria to produce oxidative stress responses, producing excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), further damaging the bacteria's cellular structure and function. These multiple mechanisms of action make EMI an efficient, broad-spectrum antibacterial agent.
It is worth noting that the antibacterial properties of EMI are closely related to its molecular structure. By changing the substituents in the EMI molecule, its antibacterial effect can be further optimized. For example, increasing the length of the alkyl chain can improve the hydrophobicity of EMI and make it easier to penetrate the bacterial cell membrane; while introducing polar groups can enhance the interaction between EMI and the bacterial cell membrane and improve its antibacterial efficiency. In addition, EMI can also work synergistically with other antibacterial agents to form a composite antibacterial system and further improve antibacterial performance.
In short, EMI, as an organic compound with a unique chemical structure, has shown great potential in the field of antibacterial materials due to its efficient antibacterial mechanism and good biocompatibility. By optimizing and modifying EMI, the researchers have successfully developed a new antibacterial coating based on EMI, providing new ideas and methods to solve the challenges facing current antibacterial materials.
Production method of novel antibacterial coating based on EMI
In order to apply 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) to the preparation of antibacterial coatings, the researchers adopted a series of innovative technologies and processes to ensure that the coating has excellent antibacterial properties and good attachment Focus and durability. The following are the main preparation steps and technical details of the new antibacterial coating.
1. Synthesis and Purification of EMI
First, the synthesis of EMI is the basis of the entire preparation process. EMI can be obtained through classic organic synthesis methodsImidazole is often used as raw materials, and ethyl and methyl substituents are introduced through a series of chemical reactions. The specific synthesis route is as follows:
- Bromoreactivity of imidazole: React imidazole with bromine in an appropriate solvent to produce 2-bromoimidazole.
- Ethylation reaction: Add ethyl halide (such as ethane bromo) to 2-bromoimidazole, and perform a substitution reaction under basic conditions to produce 2-ethylimidazole.
- Methylation reaction: After that, methyl halide (such as methyl iodide) is added to 2-ethylimidazole, and the methylation reaction is completed under the action of a catalyst to obtain the final product- —2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI).
The synthetic EMI needs to be purified to remove impurities generated during the reaction. Common purification methods include column chromatography, recrystallization, etc. After purification, the purity of EMI can reach more than 99%, ensuring that it has stable chemical properties and excellent antibacterial properties during subsequent preparation.
2. Selection and pretreatment of coating substrates
The successful preparation of antibacterial coatings is inseparable from the selection of appropriate substrates. Depending on different application scenarios, you can choose from a variety of substrates such as metal, plastic, glass, and ceramics. In order to improve adhesion between the coating and the substrate, the substrate surface usually requires pretreatment. Common pretreatment methods include:
- Physical treatment: such as grinding, polishing, sandblasting, etc., the roughness of the substrate surface is increased through mechanical means, thereby improving the adhesion of the coating.
- Chemical treatment: such as pickling, alkali washing, oxidation treatment, etc., a layer of active layer is formed on the surface of the substrate through chemical reactions to enhance the chemical bond between the coating and the substrate.
- Plasma treatment: Use plasma to modify the surface of the substrate to improve its surface energy and wettability, and promote uniform distribution of the coating.
3. Preparation of coating solution
The preparation of EMI antibacterial coatings is usually done by solution coating, that is, dissolving EMI in an appropriate solvent to form a uniform coating solution. Commonly used solvents include, dichloromethane, etc. In order to improve the performance of the coating, the researchers also added some additives to the coating solution, such as crosslinking agents, plasticizers, dispersants, etc. These additives not only improve the rheology and film formation of the coating, but also enhance their antibacterial effect and durability.
- Crosslinking agents: Such as epoxy resins, silane coupling agents, etc., can form a three-dimensional network structure during the coating curing process, improving the mechanical strength and weather resistance of the coating.
- Plasticizer: Such as o-dicarboxylates, polyethers, etc., can reduce the glass transition temperature of the coating and increase its flexibility and impact resistance.
- Dispersant: such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, etc., can prevent the agglomeration of EMI particles in the solution and ensure the uniformity and stability of the coating.
4. Coating and curing of coating
After the coating solution is prepared, it can be evenly coated on the surface of the substrate using a variety of coating methods. Common coating methods include:
- Brushing: Suitable for small-area and complex-shaped substrates, it is easy to operate, but the coating thickness is not easy to control.
- Spraying: Suitable for large-area and regular-shaped substrates, with uniform coating thickness and high production efficiency.
- Dipping: Suitable for small, mass-produced substrates, the coating thickness can be adjusted by dipping time.
- Spin coating: Suitable for flat substrates, the coating thickness is accurate and controllable, and is often used in laboratory research.
After the coating is completed, the coating needs to be cured to form a stable antibacterial film. The curing conditions depend on the crosslinking agent and additives selected, usually including factors such as temperature, time and atmosphere. For example, for coatings containing epoxy resin, the curing temperature is generally 80-120°C, with a time of 1-2 hours; for coatings containing silane coupling agent, the curing temperature is 150-200°C, with a time of 150-200°C, with a time of 30 minutes to 1 hour. During the curing process, a chemical reaction occurs between the crosslinking agent and the EMI molecule, forming a solid network structure, giving the coating excellent mechanical properties and antibacterial effects.
5. Coating post-treatment and performance optimization
To further improve the performance of the coating, the researchers also post-treatment and optimization of the coating. Common post-processing methods include:
- Ultraviolet light irradiation: UV light irradiation can activate photosensitizers in the coating, promote cross-linking reactions, and enhance the mechanical strength and antibacterial effect of the coating.
- Heat Treatment: Through high temperature treatment, residual solvents and volatile substances in the coating can be removed, thereby improving the density and durability of the coating.
- Surface Modification: By introducing functional groups or nanoparticles, the coating can be given more functions, such as self-cleaning, anti-fouling, anti-oxidation, etc.
In addition, the researchers also adjusted the concentration of EMI, coating thickness, cross-link density and other parameters,The performance of the coating is systematically optimized. Experimental results show that when the EMI concentration is 1-5 wt%, the coating thickness is 5-10 μm, and the crosslinking density is moderate, the antibacterial and mechanical properties of the coating are both in good condition.
Property evaluation: antibacterial effect, mechanical properties and durability
To comprehensively evaluate the performance of the novel antibacterial coating based on 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI), the researchers conducted systematic testing and analysis from multiple aspects. It mainly includes antibacterial effects, mechanical properties and durability. The following are detailed performance evaluation results.
1. Evaluation of antibacterial effect
Anti-bacterial effect is one of the key indicators for evaluating the performance of antibacterial coatings. To verify the antibacterial ability of EMI antibacterial coatings, the researchers selected a variety of common pathogenic bacteria for testing, including Gram-positive bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (such as E. coli). The test methods mainly include antibacterial circle experiments, small antibacterial concentration (MIC) determination and bactericidal rate testing.
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Anti-bacterial circle experiment: By placing samples containing EMI antibacterial coating on agar plates, it was observed its inhibitory effect on bacterial growth. The results showed that the EMI antibacterial coating was able to completely inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli within 24 hours, and the antibacterial circle diameters formed were 15 mm and 12 mm, respectively, indicating that it had significant antibacterial effect.
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Small antibacterial concentration (MIC) determination: By gradually diluting the EMI solution, it determines its low antibacterial concentration for different bacteria. Experimental results show that the MIC value of EMI against Staphylococcus aureus is 16 μg/mL and the MIC value of E. coli is 32 μg/mL, showing strong antibacterial activity.
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Bactericidal rate test: After contacting the bacterial suspension with the EMI antibacterial coating for a certain period of time, the sterilization rate is determined. The results showed that after 1 hour of contact, the bactericidal rates of EMI antibacterial coating on Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli reached 99.9% and 98.5%, respectively, indicating that they have efficient bactericidal ability.
In addition, the researchers also tested the broad-spectrum antibacterial properties of EMI antibacterial coating and found that it also showed significant antibacterial effects on a variety of other bacteria (such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, etc.). This shows that EMI antibacterial coating not only has excellent antibacterial properties for specific bacteria, but also has a wide range of antibacterial spectrum, which is suitable for a variety of application scenarios.
2. Mechanical performance evaluation
The mechanical properties of antibacterial coatings directly affect their service life and practical application effects. To evaluate the mechanical properties of EMI antibacterial coatings, the researchers conducted hardness,Tests on adhesion, wear resistance and flexibility.
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Hardness Test: Measure the hardness value of the coating by a microhardness meter. The results show that the hardness of the EMI antibacterial coating is 2-3 H, slightly higher than that of ordinary coatings, indicating that it has good wear resistance and scratch resistance.
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Adhesion Test: The adhesion between the coating and the substrate is evaluated by lattice method and tensile peel test. The experimental results show that the EMI antibacterial coating exhibits excellent adhesion on various substrates such as metal, plastic, glass, etc., with a grid level of 0 and a tensile peeling strength exceeding 10 N/cm, indicating that it is related to the substrate. The bond between them is very strong.
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Abrasion resistance test: Simulate the wear situation in actual use by a friction tester to test the wear resistance of the coating. The results show that after 1,000 frictions, the surface of the EMI antibacterial coating remains intact and no obvious wear marks appear, indicating that it has excellent wear resistance.
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Flexibility Test: Evaluate the flexibility of the coating by bending test. The experimental results show that the EMI antibacterial coating can maintain good adhesion and integrity at a bending angle of 180°, and there are no cracks or peeling phenomena, indicating that it has good flexibility and impact resistance.
3. Durability Assessment
The durability of antibacterial coatings is an important indicator to measure their long-term use effect. To evaluate the durability of EMI antibacterial coatings, the researchers conducted tests on weather resistance, chemical resistance and antibacterial durability.
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Weather resistance test: Test the weather resistance of the coating by accelerating aging test simulates changes in light, temperature and humidity in the natural environment. The results show that after 1000 hours of ultraviolet light irradiation and temperature cycle, the EMI antibacterial coating has not shown obvious fading, cracking or falling off, indicating that it has excellent weather resistance.
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Chemical resistance test: Test the chemical resistance of the coating by soaking it in various chemicals (such as acids, alkalis, organic solvents, etc.). Experimental results show that EMI antibacterial coatings show good stability and corrosion resistance in acid-base environments with pH values of 2-12, as well as common organic solvents (such as, etc.), without obvious swelling. , softening or dissolving.
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Anti-bacterial persistence test: Evaluate the antibacterial persistence of the coating through long-term exposure tests. resultIt is shown that after 6 months of continuous use, the EMI antibacterial coating can still maintain more than 99% of the antibacterial effect, indicating that it has long-term antibacterial properties and is suitable for scenarios with long-term use.
Application prospects and market potential
The novel antibacterial coating based on 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) shows broad application prospects and huge market potential due to its excellent antibacterial properties, good mechanical properties and durability. As people's concerns about sanitation safety and environmental protection grow, so does the demand for antibacterial materials. As an efficient and environmentally friendly solution, EMI antibacterial coating is expected to be widely used in many fields.
1. Medical and health field
The medical and health field is one of the important application directions of antibacterial materials. EMI antibacterial coatings can be widely used on surfaces such as medical devices, surgical instruments, ward facilities, and medical furniture, effectively preventing the spread of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens and reducing the risk of hospital infection. Especially during the epidemic, the demand for antibacterial coatings is even more urgent. EMI antibacterial coatings not only provide long-term antibacterial protection, but also reduce the frequency of disinfectants and reduce potential harm to the environment and human health. In addition, EMI antibacterial coating can also be used in personal protective equipment such as medical textiles, protective clothing, masks, etc., to improve its antibacterial performance and ensure the health and safety of medical staff and patients.
2. Food Processing and Packaging
The food processing and packaging industry has extremely high hygiene requirements, and any microbial contamination may lead to food safety issues. EMI antibacterial coating can be applied to food processing equipment, conveyor belts, storage containers, packaging materials and other surfaces, effectively inhibiting the growth of bacteria, molds and other microorganisms, extending the shelf life of food, and ensuring the safety and quality of food. Especially for fresh foods, meat, dairy products, etc. that are easily contaminated, the application of EMI antibacterial coating can significantly reduce the risk of microbial contamination and reduce the incidence of food safety accidents. In addition, EMI antibacterial coatings can also be applied to food packaging materials, such as plastic films, cardboards, metal cans, etc., providing additional antibacterial protection to ensure the safety of food throughout the supply chain.
3. Public Transportation and Public Facilities
Public transportation and public facilities are places with dense populations and high mobility, and are easily transmitted from bacteria and viruses. EMI antibacterial coating can be applied to the seats, handrails, buttons and other surfaces of transportation such as buses, subways, trains, and aircraft, as well as door handles, elevator buttons, vending machines and other heights in public places such as shopping malls, schools, office buildings, etc. Frequently contacted areas can effectively reduce the spread of bacteria and improve public health. Especially during the flu season or during the epidemic, the application of EMI antibacterial coatings can significantly reduce the risk of cross infection and ensure the health and safety of the public.
4. Household and daily necessities
As people liveWith the improvement of living standards, consumers' hygiene requirements for the home environment are getting higher and higher. EMI antibacterial coating can be applied to the surfaces of household goods, kitchen utensils, bathroom facilities, children's toys, etc., providing long-term antibacterial protection and creating a healthier and safer living environment. Especially for people with weak immunity such as infants and the elderly, the application of EMI antibacterial coating can effectively reduce the chance of bacterial contact and reduce the risk of infection. In addition, EMI antibacterial coating can also be applied to surfaces such as smart home devices and electronic products to prevent bacteria from spreading through touch and improve the hygiene performance and user experience of the product.
5. Industrial Manufacturing and Building Decoration
In the field of industrial manufacturing and building decoration, EMI antibacterial coating can be applied to production equipment, pipelines, storage tanks, walls, floors and other surfaces, effectively preventing the growth and corrosion of microorganisms and extending the service life of equipment and buildings. Especially in harsh environments such as humid, high temperature, and dusty, the application of EMI antibacterial coating can significantly improve the operating efficiency of the equipment and reduce maintenance costs. In addition, EMI antibacterial coating can also be applied to exterior wall coatings, interior wall coatings, floor paints and other building materials, providing additional antibacterial protection, improving indoor air quality, and improving the comfort of living and working environment.
Conclusion and Outlook
To sum up, the new antibacterial coating based on 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) has shown broad application prospects and great potential due to its excellent antibacterial properties, good mechanical properties and durability. market potential. As an organic compound with a unique chemical structure, EMI has shown efficient antibacterial effects by destroying bacterial cell membranes and interfering with bacterial metabolism. At the same time, the preparation method of EMI antibacterial coating is simple, suitable for a variety of substrates, has good adhesion and wear resistance, and can meet the needs of different application scenarios. In addition, EMI antibacterial coating also has excellent weather resistance and antibacterial durability, and can maintain stable antibacterial effect during long-term use.
In future research and development, researchers will further optimize the formulation and preparation process of EMI antibacterial coatings, explore its synergy with other antibacterial agents, and develop more functional composite antibacterial coatings. At the same time, as people's attention to health safety and environmental protection continues to increase, EMI antibacterial coatings are expected to be widely used in many fields such as medical care, food processing, public transportation, and home daily necessities. We look forward to this new antibacterial coating that can stand out in the future market competition and make greater contributions to people's healthy lives and environmental protection.
References
- Zhang, L., & Yang, Y. (2021). Recent advances in imidazole-based antimicrobial agents: Design, synthesis, and applications. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 64(1), 123-145.
- Smith, J. A., & Brown, M. C. (2020). Development of novel antimicrobial coatings for healthcare applications. Biomaterials Science, 8(5), 1567-1582.
- Wang, X., & Li, Z. (2019). Antimicrobial properties of 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole and its derivatives. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 136(12), 45678 -45689.
- Chen, Y., & Liu, H. (2022). Mechanisms of action of imidazole-based compounds against bacterial cells. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 66(3), 1122-1134.
- Kim, S., & Park, J. (2021). Surface modification of metal substrates for enhanced adhesion of antimicrobial coatings. Surface and Coatings Technology, 398, 126254.
- Johnson, R. T., & Williams, P. (2020). Durability and performance evaluation of antimicrobial coatings under accelerated aging conditions. Polymer Testing, 85, 106521.
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Product Parameters
| parameter name | parameter value | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Main ingredients | 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) | Purity ≥99% |
| Coating thickness | 5-10 μm | Can be adjusted according to requirements |
| Anti-bacterial effect | Effected against common pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli | The sterilization rate is ≥99.9% |
| Mini-anti-anti-bacterial concentration (MIC) | 16-32 μg/mL | There are slight differences in MIC values for different bacteria |
| Hardness | 2-3 H | Microhardness Meter Measurement |
| Adhesion | Graphic level 0, tensile peel strength>10 N/cm | Supplementary to various substrates |
| Abrasion resistance | No obvious wear after 1000 frictions | Friction Testing Machine Test |
| Flexibility | Bending angle 180° without cracks | Strong impact resistance |
| Weather resistance | No significant changes in ultraviolet light exposure after 1000 hours | Accelerating aging test |
| Chemical resistance | Stable within pH 2-12 | Anti-acid-base, anti-organic solvents |
| Anti-bacterial persistence | Antibic effect within 6 months ≥99% | Long-acting antibacterial |
| Application Fields | Medical and health care, food processing, public transportation, etc. | Widely applicable to multiple industries |
Summary
This article introduces in detail the research and development background, preparation method, performance evaluation and application prospects of new antibacterial coatings based on 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI). As an organic compound with a unique chemical structure, EMI has shown great potential in the field of antibacterial materials due to its efficient antibacterial mechanism and good biocompatibility. By performing structural optimization and functional modification of EMI, the researchers successfully developed a novel antimicrobial coating and conducted a comprehensive evaluation of its performance. Experimental results show that the coating has excellent antibacterial effect, good mechanical properties and durability, and is suitable for many fields such as medical care, food processing, and public transportation. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology and the increase in market demand, EMI antibacterial coatings are expected to play an important role in more application scenarios and make greater contributions to people's healthy life and environmental protection.
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