Screening of the effect of biocidal agents released from poly (acrylic acid) matrices on mould growth

Abstract

Recently, surface treatment concepts with slow release encapsulated activates have shown to provide a potential approach for the control of biological surface contamination. These new protection concepts respond to the current regulations and demands set for the sustainable development. In this study, screening of the efficacy of biocidal agents – benzoic acid and sodium benzoate – embedded in poly(acrylic acid) matrices was carried out. The efficacy of the polymer systems on mould growth was tested with the blue stain fungus Aureobasidium pullulans and with the mould fungi Trichoderma harzianum and Aspergillus niger. In addition, release of the active agents at different pH was determined in aqueous media. The release tests in aqueous media showed that the release of the active agents is more pronounced at pH higher than 4. The efficacy of the polymer systems according to the present arrangements was dependent on the fungi and the release rate of the active agents from the matrix.

Keywords:

• Blue stain
• controlled release
• mould resistance
• pH changes
• poly(acrylic acid)

Acknowledgements

The financial support from VTT and the Academy of Finland is acknowledged. Part of the work has been carried out at SCION (New Zealand) under supervision of Dr. Alan Fernyhough. His contribution is greatly appreciated. In addition, the authors are thankful to Olli Posti (MSc) and Paula Järvi (MSc) for their valuable work within the project.