Effect of the Structure of Insoluble Pyridinium-Type Polymer on Its Ability to Capture Bacteria in Water

Abstract

Abstract Effect of the structure of insoluble pyridinium-type polymer on its ability to capture bacteria in water was investigated. Strong ability of the polymer was further confirmed by an equilibrium capture experiment. The ability was quantitatively evaluated by the removal coefficient reported previously based on initial rate of decrease of viable cell counts caused by the presence of the polymer. The coefficient uniformly increased with the content of pyridinium group, and considerably increased when the content of divinylbenzene became smaller. The coefficient also increased with the content of 4-vinylpyridine in the polymer matrix. Based on these observations, presence of pyridinium group was concluded to be essentially important in the affinity of the polymer for bacterial cells. Hydrophilicity and high degree of swelling in water of the polymer matrix appeared to enhance the ability to capture bacteria.