Effect of organoclay and silver‐substituted zeolite on the mechanical and antibacterial properties of a silicone rubber filled with 2‐hydroxypropyl‐3‐piperazinyl‐quinoline carboxylic acid methacrylate

Silicone rubber compounds filled with different loadings of organoclay (OC) and silver substituted zeolite (SSZ) solid fillers were prepared and cured with 2,5‐dimethyl‐2,5‐di(tert‐butylperoxy) hexane. The rubber vulcanizates contained an antimicrobial agent to protect them against Escherichia coli (E. coli ATCC 25922) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus ATCC 25923) bacteria. The tensile strength, elongation at break, stored energy density at break, Young's modulus, modulus at 100% elongation, cyclic fatigue life, and glass transition temperature of the rubber vulcanizates were subsequently measured. The antimicrobial performance of the rubber surfaces were determined by disk diffusion testing and plate count agar method. The antimicrobial agent had an adverse effect on the mechanical properties, but the cyclic fatigue life of the rubber vulcanizate improved. The addition of OC and SSZ could improve the tensile strength, elongation at break and stored energy density at break, but deteriorated the tear energy, Young's modulus and modulus at 100% elongation. The inclusion of the fillers was not beneficial to the antimicrobial activity of the rubber against bacteria. The HPQM in the rubber was effective more against E. coli. than against S. aureus. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity increased when the contact time in the test solution was increased. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:932–941, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synthesis of novel pyridinium N‐chloramine precursors and its antimicrobial application on cotton fabrics

To control pathogenic microbial contamination on polymeric material surface, it is pivotal to develop materials with efficacious antimicrobial activity. Two pyridinium N‐chloramine precursors containing a siloxane handle were synthesized, characterized, and grafted onto cotton fabrics. The attenuated total reflectance spectra and scanning electron microscope photo analysis indicated that the cotton fabric surface was successfully modified. The resultant chlorinated fabric samples were challenged against bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Results showed that: (1) the surface modified cotton fabrics displayed satisfactory biocidal efficacy; (2) the precursor structure played a major role on surface grafting and antibacterial activity. This work provides two promising pyridinium N‐chloramine precursors which hold potential application for preparing antibacterial textile materials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45323.     

Synthesis,Surface Activity,and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Hydrogenated Cardanol-Derived Positively Charged Asymmetric Gemini Surfactants

Nine different hydrogenated cardanol-based quaternary ammonium compounds including one conventional single-tale single-head surfactant, one bicephalic single-tale double-head surfactant, and seven asymmetric Gemini surfactants were synthetized using a simple process with high yields. Their structures were characterized using ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and high-resolution mass spectral studies. Their surface active properties were evaluated by the wilhelmy plate method at 25 °C and physical parameters like CMC, γ_CMC, π_CMC, C₂₀, τ_CMC, and A_min were calculated. The Krafft temperature values of C-BP-1, C-BP-4, and C-BP-6 are lower than 0 °C, suggesting high-potential industrial application. All synthesized compounds but C-BP-F exhibit great antimicrobial ability against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus [ATCC 25923] and C. glutamicum [ATCC 13032]) while inadequate antimicrobial ability against Gram negative strains (E. coli [ATCC 25922] and P. aeruginosa [ATCC 27853]).     

The influence of coating with aminopropyl triethoxysilane and CuO/Cu2O nanoparticles on antimicrobial activity of cotton fabrics under dark conditions

A novel impregnation process for the fabrication of cotton nanocomposite with strong antimicrobial activity against antibiotics-resistant bacteria and yeast was developed. The impregnation process includes the sol–gel treatment of fabric with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane in the first step, and synthesis of the CuO/Cu₂O nanoparticles (NPs) on the fabric surface in the second step. The in situ synthesis of the CuO/Cu₂O NPs was based on the adsorption of Cu²⁺-ions by the introduced amino groups of the sol–gel coating. The adsorbed Cu²⁺-ions are subsequently reduced in the alkaline solution of NaBH₄. X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed the formation of CuO/Cu₂O NPs. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic absorption spectrometry analyses indicate that the particle size, agglomeration, and amounts of synthesized NPs were highly affected by the initial concentration of CuSO₄ solution. The toxicity of nanocomposites to human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, E. coli ATCC BAA 2469, and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC BAA 2146, and Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, S. aureus ATCC 43300 and yeast Candida albicans ATCC 24433 strongly depended on the copper content. In addition to excellent antimicrobial activity, controlled release of Cu²⁺-ions from the fabrics into physiological saline solution was obtained.     

Laboratory antimicrobial activity of cinnamaldehyde and pomegranate‐based polycaprolactone films

Polycaprolactone (PCL) was incorporated separately with cinnamaldehyde (CNMA), pomegranate methanolic extract (PME), freeze dried arils of pomegranate (FDAP), and seed flour of pomegranate (SF) to form antimicrobial films to be used for active food packaging. PCL–CNMA films completely inactivated growth of the artificially inoculated Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, whether at 5% or 10% concentrations (wt/wt of polymer), at all studied temperatures (4, 20, and 37 °C). PCL–PME films (10% wt/wt of polymer) delayed the growth of E. coli and S. aureus for up to 7 and 6 days, respectively, at 37 °C. Two‐day delays in the growth of both bacteria were achieved with FDAP and SF films (10% wt/wt of polymer) at 20 °C. The release of CNMA was slower than the release of PME during film processing, as measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Thus, CNMA and pomegranate‐based films perhaps should be planned further for use in controlled release food packaging. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45347.     

Antimicrobial and anti-quorum-sensing properties and paint film usage of novel diazaborine-based copolymers

To meet high hygiene requirements, intensive studies are being carried out on antimicrobial materials. This study reports the synthesis of 3-((1-hydroxybenzo[d][1,2,3]diazaborinin-2(1H)-yl)sulfonyl)propyl methacrylate (DAZBMA) and its polymer, which is antimicrobial [tested with Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923 and MU 40) and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and Candida albicans ATCC 10239] on solid surfaces. Antibiofilm capability was tested against MU 40. Although DAZBMA and its polymer show a high quorum-sensing inhibition property (tested with Chromobacterium violaceum CV 026 and CV 12472 and P. aeruginosa PA01), the lesser antibacterial activity of the polymer was improved by copolymerizing DAZBMA with quaternized 2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate. The paint films containing the prepared copolymer are highly active against all tested bacteria and show an antibiofilm effect against hospital-acquired multiple-antibiotic-resistant MU 40. The novel copolymer can be used in water-soluble paints to reduce its biofilm production and pathogenicity, especially for paints used in hospitals. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 46907.     

Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Bis-morpholine Triazine Quaternary Ammonium Salts

Efficient, environmentally and economically sustainable, and nontoxic antibacterial products are of global relevance in the fight against microorganism contamination. In this work, an easy and straightforward method for the synthesis of bis-morpholino triazine quaternary ammonium salts (bis-mTQAS) is reported, starting from 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine or 2,4-dichloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazine and various N-alkylmorpholines. Bis-mTQAS were tested as antimicrobials against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains. The best-performing bis-mTQAS were found to achieve total disinfection against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 at 50 and 400 μg/mL, respectively. Distinctively, bis-mTQAS with the highest antimicrobial efficiency had lowest cytotoxicity.     

Cure behavior and antimicrobial performance of sulfur‐cured natural rubber vulcanizates containing 2‐hydroxypropyl‐3‐piperazinylquinolinecarboxylic acid methacrylate or silver‐substituted zeolite

This work used 2‐hydroxypropyl‐3‐piperazinylquinolinecarboxylic acid methacrylate (HPQM) or silver‐substituted zeolite (SSZ) as antibacterial agents for natural rubber (NR) compounds vulcanized by conventional vulcanization (CV), semi‐efficient vulcanization, and efficient vulcanization (EV) systems. The cure behavior and antibacterial performance of the NR vulcanizates were studied by varying the loadings of HPQM or SSZ, contact times, and vulcanization systems. The antibacterial performance of the rubber compounds was examined by halo test and plate‐count‐agar methods against Escherichia coli (E. coli, ATCC 25922) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, ATCC 25923) as the testing bacteria. The cure time and crosslink density were dependent on the vulcanization recipe used but were not affected by the addition of HPQM or SSZ. Diphenylguanidine at the level of 1.0 phr (parts by weight per hundred parts of resin) in NR vulcanized by the EV system had the ability to kill the E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. The NR vulcanized by the CV system showed the most pronounced antibacterial performance, as compared with the other two vulcanization systems, via migration and diffusion of HPQM or SSZ onto the NR surfaces, this being identified by the relatively large reduction of contact angle values. The HPQM showed the most preference for NR compounds vulcanized with the CV system with a contact time of 120 min or longer to achieve a bacteria‐killing efficacy of 99.0–99.9%, the efficacy being more pronounced for E. coli bacteria. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:123–131, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation,characterization, and antibacterial activity of cationic nanopolystyrenes

Cationic nanopolystyrenes (CNPSs) were prepared by the polymerization of styrene with a cationic polymerizable emulsifier, N-(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl)-N,N-dimethyltetradecane-1-ammonium bromide (MDTB), in the presence of 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (APPH). The polymerization kinetics was investigated through monomer conversion versus polymerization time. ¹H NMR spectra and FTIR spectra were used to confirm the structures of MDTB and nanopolymers. The particle size, ζ-potential, molecular weight, and thermal stability were also investigated by Zetasizer, gel permeation chromatography, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The antibacterial activities of the obtained products were evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29913 (S. aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium) and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (E. coli, a Gram-negative bacterium). The results indicated that the polymerization has the characteristics of microemulsion polymerization, all nanopolystyrenes are cationic and can be stored in the form of a microemulsion in aqueous phase, CNPSs present stable chemical structure at 190 °C, and their MIC and MBC reach 0.0625 and 0.125 mg mL⁻¹ for E. coli, 0.0325 and 0.0625 mg mL⁻¹ for S. aureus, respectively. Therefore, CNPSs are a promising new type of polymer antimicrobial agent, which can be used in the development of antimicrobial polymer materials and their products. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48405.     

Effects of UV weathering on the mechanical and antibacterial performance of peroxide‐cured silicone rubber containing biocide HPQM

2‐Hydroxypropyl‐3‐piperazinyl‐quinoline carboxylic acid methacrylate (HPQM) was used as a biocide in a silicone rubber compound. Antibacterial and mechanical performance of the compound was assessed before and after exposure to UV light for different times. Drop‐plate and halo tests were employed to evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively the antibacterial performance of the compound against Escherichia coli (E. coli, ATCC 25922) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, ATCC 25923). The results showed that the cure characteristics and the physical and mechanical properties of the HPQM‐containing rubber compound were strongly affected by the UV light. The tensile properties and hardness increased with UV aging. The lightness (L*) of the rubber compound without HPQM did not change with UV exposure, whereas that for the compound with HPQM decreased with UV exposure. The longer the contact time, the better the ability for killing the bacteria. After experiencing initial UV aging for 3 days, the rubber compound with HPQM showed an effective killing ability. However, after prolonged UV exposure, the antibacterial efficacy was reduced as a result of HPQM removal from the rubber surface during the condensation stage and a post‐curing reaction of the residual peroxide in the rubber compound. Under UV light, the silicone rubber compound with HPQM had a greater preference for killing the E. coli. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 20:49–56, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Silver‐loaded lyocell fibers modified by tempo‐mediated oxidation

The purpose of this research was to accomplish antimicrobial properties in lyocell fibers by Ag⁺ ions sorption from aqueous silver nitrate solution. Sorption properties of lyocell fibers were improved by the selective TEMPO‐mediated oxidation, i.e. oxidation with sodium hypochlorite and catalytic amount of sodium bromide and 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxy radical (TEMPO). The most suitable experimental conditions for the selective TEMPO‐mediated oxidation were determined by changing oxidation conditions: concentration of sodium hypochlorite, as well as duration of sorption. The obtained results showed that the maximum sorption capacity (0.809 mmol of Ag⁺ ions per gram of fibers) of modified lyocell fibers was obtained for the sample modified with 4.84 mmol NaClO per gram of cellulose, during 1 h. The antifungal activity of the TEMPO‐oxidized lyocell fibers with silver ions against fungi from the Candida family, Candida albicans (ATCC 24433), and antibacterial activity against two strains: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) were confirmed in vitro. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Oxo-Titanium(IV) Complex/Polymer Composites—Synthesis,Spectroscopic Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity Test

The emergence of a large number of bacterial strains resistant to many drugs or disinfectants currently used contributed to the search of new, more effective antimicrobial agents. In the presented paper, we assessed the microbiocidal activity of tri- and tetranuclear oxo-titanium(IV) complexes (TOCs), which were dispersed in the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. The TOCs were synthesized in reaction to Ti(OR)₄ (R = ⁱPr, ⁱBu) and HO₂CR’ (R’ = 4-PhNH₂ and 4-PhOH) in a 4:1 molar ratio at room temperature and in Ar atmosphere. The structure of isolated oxo-complexes was confirmed by IR and Raman spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity of the produced composites (PMMA + TOCs) was estimated against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and S. aureus ATCC 25923) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and E. coli ATCC 25922) bacteria and yeasts of Candida albicans ATCC 10231. All produced composites showed biocidal activity against the bacteria. Composites containing {Ti₄O₂} cores and the {Ti₃O} core stabilized by the 4-hydroxybenzoic ligand showed also high activity against yeasts. The results of investigations carried out suggest that produced (PMMA + TOCs) composites, due to their microbiocidal activity, could find an application in the elimination of microbial contaminations in various fields of our lives.     

Antibacterial porous xanthan-based films containing flavoring agents evaluated by near infrared chemical imaging technique

Xanthan gum (XG) is a widely applied natural polysaccharide in food industry as thickening agent. Nowadays, one of the major problems is that some food products are found to be contaminated by pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus reducing so, their shelf life. This research aims to demonstrate the antibacterial activity of some biodegradable formulation XG-lignin hydrogel films and their potential application as carriers for controlled release of flavoring compounds. The XG-lignin films containing an aspen wood lignin type showed a high antibacterial activity against Salmonella Typhymurium ATCC 14028, E. coli ATCC 25922 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 25922 bacteria compared with those containing softwood lignin, or lignin from annual plants. Surface morphology indicated a homogeneous distribution of both components within the hydrogel network and the generation of a porous structure after swelling and lyophilization. Additionally, near infrared chemical imaging technique was used as nondestructive method to observe the spatial distribution of the polymeric components and vanillin into the hydrogel films as well as its release profile. The vanillin release rate dependence on the lignin type was also evidenced, a retarded release of vanillin being observed. These results give an important insight into the use of XG, lignin, and vanillin for the development of new edible films for active packaging materials.     

Synthesis of modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers with antibacterial properties and their characterization

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers were grafted with vinyl monomers by utilizing benzoyl peroxide. Grafted PET fibers were modified in optimized conditions with several functional groups such as amine, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide_, and triclosan to gain antibacterial feature. The second part of this study comprised examination of the antibacterial features of PET fibers via use of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) bacteria. Kirby-Bauer test is used to study antibacterial properties. The longest zone diameter for Trc-GMA-g-PET fibers was 56?mm for E. Coli whereas the biggest diameter for S. aureus bacteria was 130?mm with Trc-MMA-g-PET fibers.     

Antibacterial poly{(4‐vinyl phenylboronic acid)‐co‐[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]} copolymers and their application in water‐based paints

Herein, we report the synthesis of poly(4‐vinylphenylboronic acid) (PVPBA) and poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA) homopolymers, copolymers, and their methyl, pentyl, and octyl quaternized forms as dopant in water‐based permanent antibacterial paints. Both quaternized and nonquaternized forms of P(VPBA‐co‐DMAEMA) copolymers have reflected higher MIC values relative to PDMAEMA homopolymers. High molecular weight copolymers were more active against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, contrarily, lower molecular weight copolymers showed higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The paint films prepared with quaternized PDMAEMA homopolymers with a weight of 10% showed better antibacterial activity in water and airborne tests than the copolymers. However, it has been shown that the inadequate anti‐biofilm properties of homopolymer‐containing paint films are overcome with the VPBA content of the copolymer structure and the most effective antibacterial and anti‐biofilm properties have been obtained with paint films containing P(VPBA‐co‐5QDMAEMA) copolymers. These paint films, which can maintain antibacterial and anti‐biofilm properties for at least 1 year, have the potential to be an alternative to Ag/Cl based solid surfaces which require the active substance to be regenerated. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46245.     

Radiation-Induced Acrylamide/4-Vinyl Pyridine Biocidal Hydrogels: Synthesis,Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activities

Acrylamide/4-vinyl pyridine hydrogels were synthesized by radiation polymerization technique using a γ-irradiator. The prepared radiation-synthesized acrylamide/4-vinyl pyridine hydrogels were then treated using a modifying agent with aromatic functional group. The modifying agent used in the modification of acrylamide/4-vinyl pyridine hydrogels was the N-aromatic alkyl quaternizing agent of chloromethyl benzene. The functional group on the modified acrylamide/4-vinyl pyridine hydrogels was confirmed with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry. Thermal analysis, surface morphology investigation, and swelling of the modified and unmodified hydrogels were completed. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the modified and unmodified hydrogels were also tested against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923); two gram-negative Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) human pathogenic bacteria and a fungal strain—Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) for their MBC values. It was found that acrylamide/4-vinyl pyridine hydrogels do not possess biocidal properties, whereas the modified form of acrylamide/4-vinyl pyridine?chloromethyl benzene showed highly bactericidal characteristics.     

Surface and interface properties of functionalized polysulfones: Cell‐material interaction and antimicrobial activity

Quaternized polysulfones with different ionic chlorine content tested for biomedical applications were obtained by quaternization reaction of chloromethylated polysulfones with N,N‐dimethylethanolamine. The relationship between the different physical and chemical characteristics of these polymers and their biocompatible and antimicrobial properties was established for maximizing the selectivity and performance of these materials for biomedical applications. Therefore, topographic reorganization of the polysulfonic films induced by the type of nonsolvent in casting solutions of polymer significantly influences films morphology, depending on the charge density of polyelectrolytes, the hydrophilic/hydrophobic characteristics, as well as on the history of the formed films. Furthermore, the study of the adhesion of red blood cells and cohesion of platelets on the surface of quaternized polysulfone films, as well as analysis of antibacterial activity, using Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 microorganisms, contribute to extending the possible applications of quaternized polysulfones as semipermeable membranes in biomedical domains. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2184–2194, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Physical and antimicrobial properties of quinoa flour‐based films incorporated with essential oil

Films of quinoa flour (Chenopodium quinoa, W) incorporated with oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oils (EOs) at 0.5%, 1%, and 2% p/p were prepared to examine their physical and mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The type of EO was not significant for the physical and barrier parameters of the films. The increase in the EOs concentration led to an increase in the elongation at break, but decrease in the tensile strength, Young's modulus, solubility and water vapor permeability. Films containing 1% and 2% EOs exhibited an inhibitory effect on the growth of S. aureus and E. coli. However, S. aureus was more sensitive to both EOs and the oregano was more efficient in the inactivation to both microorganisms. The incorporation of EOs as natural antibacterial agents may lead to their potential application as active packaging materials to increase food safety. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43311.     

Effect of pH on distribution and adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus to glass

The adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 to glass at different pH values was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and image analysis with the Mathlab^® program. The images obtained by SEM show that the adhesion behaviour of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 depends on the pH of the suspending medium. At highly acidic (pH 2, pH 3) and alkaline pH, the cells deposited in aggregate forms, while at pH 5 the aggregation phenomenon was absent. The quantitative adhesion (number of adhering cells to glass surface) showed that cells adhered strongly in the pH range 4 to 6 and weakly at highly acidic (pH 2, pH 3) and alkaline pH. Moreover, the surface properties of the cells were characterized by the microbial adhesion to solvents (MATS) method. A good correlation was obtained between physicochemical properties (hydrophobicity or electron donor electron acceptor character) of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and the number of adhering cells to glass. These results show that the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 to glass is controlled by both acid–base and hydrophobic interactions.     

Electrospun nylon 6 nanofibers incorporated with 2‐substituted N‐alkylimidazoles and their silver(I) complexes for antibacterial applications

The article presents the incorporation of biocides [2‐substituted N‐alkylimidazoles and their silver(I) complexes] into electrospun nylon 6 nanofibers for application as antimicrobial materials. The electrospun nylon 6/biocides nanofiber composites were characterized by IR spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM‐EDX). The antimicrobial activity of the electrospun nylon 6/biocides nanofiber composites was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii using the disk diffusion method, the American Association for Textile Chemists and Colorists test method 100‐2004 and the dynamic shake flask method (American Society for Testing and Materials E2149‐10). The electrospun nylon 6 nanofibers incorporated with 2‐substituted N‐alkylimidazoles displayed moderate to excellent levels of growth reduction against S. aureus (73.2–99.8%). For the electrospun nylon 6 nanofibers incorporated with silver(I) complexes, the levels of growth reduction were >99.99%, for both E. coli and S. aureus, after the antimicrobial activity evaluation using the shake flask method. The study demonstrated that the electrospun nanofibers, fabricated using the incorporation strategy, have the potential to be used as attractive antimicrobial materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 39783.