Bactericidal compositions are disclosed that comprise a polymeric compound
immobilized on a material. Medical devices are also disclosed which
comprise such a bactericidal composition. Methods are disclosed for
covalently derivatizing the surfaces of common materials with an
antibacterial polycation, e.g., poly(vinyl-N-pyridinium bromide); the
first step of the methods involves coating the surface with a nanolayer
of silica. Various commercial synthetic polymers derivatized in this
manner are bactericidal, i.e., they kill on contact up to 99% of
deposited Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whether deposited
through air or water.