Antimicrobial core-shell particles from heterophase polymerization

The research presented in this thesis focuses on studying and characterising amphiphilic block copolymers (BCPs) with antimicrobial properties. The main objectives include three components. Firstly, an analysis platform is constructed to characterize the synthesized block copolymers using Diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY), enabling accurate molecular weight determination regardless of the solvent. Secondly, a faster and more reliable setup is developed for BCP synthesis, incorporating an inline purification system that enhances purification rates significantly. Lastly, the antimicrobial BCPs are utilized in latex/paint, acting as surfactants or additives to stabilize latex particles and demonstrating their effectiveness against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.