Preparation of hydrogel impregnated antimicrobial polyurethane foam for absorption of radionuclide contaminated blood and biological fluids

Multi‐purpose polyacrylamide (PAM) and polyacrylamide‐co‐sodiumpolyacrylate (PAM‐co‐NaPA) impregnated polyurethane foams (PUF) loaded with iodine have been prepared by in situ free radical polymerization. The prepared hydrogel networks displayed higher capacity for absorbing biological fluids as compared to regular PUF sheets and cotton matrices used in hospitals for maintaining hygiene conditions in cases of blood spillage and leakages. PAM‐impregnated‐PUF showed 910, 605, and 172% absorption in water, saline, and blood, respectively, whereas PAM‐co‐NaPA‐impregnated‐PUF showed absorption of 1545, 1395, and 269% in water, saline, and blood, respectively in 24 h. Exposure to nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) environment has become a grave predicament in today's world necessitating prevention of radiological contaminations especially in medical facilities. PAM‐co‐NaPA‐impregnated‐PUF displayed 97% absorption of Tc⁹⁹ from whole blood whereas PUF sheets were highly hydrophobic and showed only 1% absorption of Tc⁹⁹ from whole blood. It was also demonstrated that modified foams have long‐term broad‐spectrum antimicrobial properties due to sustain release of ionic iodine. Thus, PAM‐co‐NaPA‐impregnated‐PUF sheets have strong potential to be used as matrices for carrying the injured patients, from field conditions to hospitals expose to NBC environment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43625.