Background of the Invention

[001] It is known in the art that Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) are the active ingredients in many household disinfecting wipes and sprays and are also used as additives in various soaps and nonalcohol-based hand sanitizers. This is because of their ability to eradicate surface bacteria and common viruses such as influenza by disrupting their phospholipid membranes. While there has been a reluctance of the Center for Disease Control to endorse such QAC-based hand sanitizers based on their ineffectiveness in several outdated studies, the validities of such studies have recently come into question.

[002] Indeed, several recent studies cited in a paper entitled “Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents,” by KAMPF, D. et al., "Persistence of Coronaviruses on Inanimate Surfaces and Their Inactivation with Biocidal Agents", Journal of Hospital Infection, 104 (2020) 246-251 have shown the high effectiveness of one QAC, Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC), against SARS-CoV and other CoV viruses. It has also frequently been confirmed that QACs are effective against influenza viruses as well as both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. In a position paper by SCHRANK, C. et al., "Are Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, the Workhorse Disinfectants, Effective against Severe Acute Respiratory syndrome-Cononavirus-2?" ACS Infect. Dis. 2020, 6, (May 15, 2020) 1553-1557, the authors postulate that QACs should be effective in decreasing the viral load for disinfection procedures against COVID-19 as both SARS-CoV -2 and COVID-19, both containing relatively similar phospholipid bilayers and/or protein envelopes.

[003] There has recently been significant interest in the effectiveness of one particular QAC, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride (a silane modified QAC, the various derivatives of which are below referred to generically as “Si-QACs”) as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. This reagent was shown to be effective as a persistent, surface-bonded agent against Steptococcus faecalis as early as 1972.

[004] Its persistence derives from its ability to covalently bond to a variety of surfaces through hydrolysis by atmospheric moisture to form Si-OH groups followed by condensation with surface-active chemical moieties such as additional Si-OH groups. This sequence of reactions forms durable, covalent Si-O-Si bonds linking the QAC with the surface being treated. The by-product of the condensation reaction of two such Si-OH groups is water (H2O). Alternatively, the hydrolyzable group on the QAC can be pre-hydrolyzed prior to surface treatment as, for instance through its dissolution into a solvent system comprising an alcohol and water. While this mechanism of bonding of Si-QAC has been demonstrated through numerous studies, other, similarly silyl-substituted QAC compounds would demonstrate analogous bonding behavior.

[005] The effectiveness of Si-QACs, in particular, as antibacterial, and antiviral agents has been proven in a number of studies. In an article, ISQUITH, E. et al., “Surface-Bonded Antimicrobial Activity of an Organosilicon Quaternary Ammonium Chloride”, Applied Microbiology, Vol. 24, No. 6 (December 1972) 859-863 glass surfaces dip-coated by immersion in a bath of 0.1% 3% (trimethoxysilyl) propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride Si-QAC for 10 minutes, dried at 70° C for 30 minutes, and then aerosol inoculated with Steptococcus faecalis showed a greater than 4 log (99.998%) reduction in bacterial activity.

[006] To demonstrate the durability of the surface treatment, treated glass samples that were washed 50 times still showed a 95% decrease in bacterial activity. Effectiveness of the surface treatment on a cellulose acetate substrate as an agent against E. coli was also demonstrated. Table 4 in that paper lists microorganisms susceptible to Si-QAC, while Table 3 lists a variety of substrates for which treatment with Si-QAC was shown to be effective.

[007] Another study, ISQUITH, E. et al. “Surface Kinetic Test Method for Determining Rate of Kill by an Antimicrobial Solid,” Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Vol. 6, No. 5 (November 1978) 700-704 reports a “kill rate” of E. coli for treated Min-u-sil (particulate silica) of greater than 3 log reduction in activity using 3- (trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride as the Si-QAC. Similarly, a study, TSAO, I. et al., “Interaction of Infectious Viral Particles with a Quaternary Ammonium Chloride (QAC Surface),” Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Vol. 34 (1989) 639-646 reports a “kill rate” greater than 4 log reduction for HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus) using the same Si-QAC. It is important to note the many advantages of such Si-QAC antimicrobial reagents versus alternative technologies. [008] As a family of materials, Si-QACs are 1) Non-toxic, 2) Non-leaching, 3) Do not deplete from the surface, 4) Are colorless and transparent at effective coating thicknesses, and 5) Are very inexpensive relative to alternative technologies. The spread of a novel strain of CoV virus, COVID-19 has come under intense focus because of its virulence in human populations and its high mortality rate. It was only recently disclosed that COVID- 19 could enter the body in three ways: 1) through the nose, 2) through the mouth, and 3) through the eyes. In view of the fact that the COVID-19 virus can enter the body through the eyes, the inventors envisioned the need for a durable antibacterial and/or antiviral surface treatment that would be effective at reducing viral activity at the exterior surfaces of various optical devices such as eyeglasses, goggles, and face shields.

[009] Yet, despite the evidence for the effectiveness of Si-QACs against both bacterial and viral agents, and the durable nature of surface treatments comprising Si-QACs and/or Si- QAC derivatives on many substrates, their use as surface treatments for the optically active components of optical devices has never been shown. The inventors have now discovered that such treatments on the optically active components of optical devices such as eyeglass lenses, goggles, and face shields provide outstanding protection to the wearer against both bacterial and viral agents.

[0010] While 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride Si-QAC is used in the examples of this specification, it should be understood that this Si-QAC is merely one example of a myriad number of Si-QACs and Si-QAC derivatives that would be useful in the practice of this invention. While this chemical family of materials has many derivatives, the Si-QAC derivatives that are preferred are those that comprise long-chain alkyl groups, typically having between 6 and 20 carbon atoms.

[0011 ] Notable Si-QAC derivatives in this group are alkoxy silyl-modified benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and dodecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC). While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the mode of action of such long-chain alkyl-substituted QACs against both bacteria and viruses derives from their ability to disrupt the phospholipid membranes of those biological agents.

Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention relates generally to an antibacterial and/or antiviral treatment composition for optical components and method of application. More so, the present invention relates to an antibacterial and / or antiviral treatment composition comprising a Quaternary Ammonium Compound moiety that can covalently bond to an optical component, including a glass composition and/or a polar polymer; whereby the silicon-containing Quaternary Ammonium Compound bonded to the material surface of the optical component generates antibacterial and / or antiviral activity.

[0013] The present invention further relates to a method of applying an antibacterial and / or antiviral treatment composition to an optically active surface. The method may include obtaining the optically active surface and forming the composition on the optically active surface by covalently bonding a quaternary ammonium salt to the optically active surface.

The composition has substantially the same optical properties as an untreated, optically active surface.

[0014] These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification and claims.

[0015] Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates a graph depicting a Spectral Data of Standard Anti-Reflective Coating on a CR-39 lens with and without a 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride Si-QAC Coating, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of application of an antibacterial and/or antiviral treatment for optical components in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0019] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

Definitions

[0020] The terms “optical device, “optical component” or “optically active surface” means an object or surface that modifies the transmittance, absorbance, reflectance, or emittance of electromagnetic radiation, preferably visible, ultraviolet, or infrared light. In such modifications, an optical device or optical component can perform a variety of functions that serve to magnify, refract, filter, amplify, scatter, or otherwise affect the behavior of electromagnetic radiation, preferably visible, ultraviolet, or infrared light. Preferred are optical devices or optical components that modify the transmittance, absorbance, reflectance, or emittance of visible light. Such optical devices include but are not limited to lenses, optical filters, mirrors, antireflective coatings, band gap filters, one-way mirrors, opacity modifiers, and the like.

[0021] By “optically active” is thus meant any surface that transmits, absorbs, reflects, or emits electromagnetic radiation, preferably visible light, in a manner that can also serve to magnify, refract, filter, amplify, transmit, scatter, or otherwise affect the behavior of light to the benefit of the user.

[0022] By the phrase “without substantially affecting the optical properties” is meant that the application of the technology that is intended to impart an antibacterial and / or antiviral characteristic to the optical device or optical component does not degrade the intended performance of the optical device or optical component in its transmittance, absorbance, reflectance, or emittance to an extent that the intended optical performance of the optical device is degraded by greater than five percent (5%), preferably not more than three percent (3%), and more preferably not more than one percent (1%) based on the values measured for the optical device when it not treated using the anti-microbial technology.

[0023] By the phrase “wherein said composition has substantially the same optical properties as an untreated, optically active surface” is meant that the composition which imparts an antibacterial and / or antiviral characteristic to the optical device or optical component does not degrade the intended performance of the treated optical device or optical component in its transmittance, absorbance, reflectance, or emittance to an extent that the intended optical performance of the optical device is degraded by greater than five percent (5%), preferably not more than three percent (3%), and more preferably not more than one percent (1%) based on the values measured for the untreated, optically active surface.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0024] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific compounds and processes described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.

[0025] Despite the evidence for the effectiveness of Si-QACs against both bacterial and viral agents, and the durable nature of surface treatments comprising Si-QACs and/or Si- QAC derivatives on many substrates, their use as surface treatments for the optically active components of optical devices has never been shown. The inventors have now discovered that such treatments on the optically active components of optical devices such as eyeglass lenses, goggles, and face shields provide outstanding protection to the wearer against both bacterial and viral agents.

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a graph 100 depicting a Spectral Data of Standard Anti- Reflective Coating on a CR-39 lens with (indicated by dashed lines) and without (indicated by a solid line) a 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride Si-QAC Coating. As can be seen in Figure 1, the optical properties of the antireflective coating have not been significantly altered by the addition of the coating. Maximum reflectance values 102 remain well below the target of the 1.5% ceiling standard for ophthalmic antireflective coatings, as well as not altering the ‘shape’ or color tone of the antireflective coating. The transmissivity, clarity and optical quality are also likewise maintained.

[0027] The antibacterial and / or antiviral composition may include a quaternary ammonium salt covalently bonded to an optically active surface. The composition applied to the optically active surface has substantially the same optical properties as an untreated, optically active surface.

[0028] In some embodiments, the quaternary ammonium salt of the composition may include a silicon quaternary ammonium compound having at least one long-chain alkyl group. For example, and without limitation, in some embodiments, the silicon quaternary ammonium compound may include 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride.

[0029] While 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride Si-QAC is used in the examples of this specification, it should be understood that this Si-QAC is merely one example of a myriad number of Si-QACs and Si-QAC derivatives that would be useful in the practice of this invention. While this chemical family of materials has many derivatives, the Si-QAC derivatives that are preferred are those that comprise long-chain alkyl groups, typically having at least 6, and typically, between 6 and 20 carbon atoms.

[0030] Notable Si-QAC derivatives in this group are alkoxysilyl-modified benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and dodecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC). While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the mode of action of such long-chain alkyl-substituted QACs against both bacteria and viruses derives from their ability to disrupt the phospholipid membranes of those biological agents.

[0031] The quaternary ammonium salt may include a chemical moiety that covalently bonds to the optically active surface. In some embodiments, the chemical moiety may include a thermosettable moiety. The thermosettable moiety may be selected from the group consisting of epoxy and blocked or unblocked isocyanate. In some embodiments, the chemical moiety may include a hydrolyzable silicon moiety. The hydrolyzable silicon moiety may be selected from the group consisting of alkoxysilanes. In some embodiments, the hydrolyzable silicon moiety may be selected from a group consisting of alkoxysilanes that are pre-hydrolyzed prior to treating the optically active surface. [0032] While hydrolyzable alkoxysilyl groups comprise the preferred method of imparting durable, covalent bonding of the Si-QAC to the optically active component of an optical device, the use of Si-QACs having other hydrolyzable, silicon-based chemical moieties can also be used in the practice of this invention. Also, while Si-QAC compounds comprising hydrolyzable groups are the most convenient compounds to impart both antibacterial and / or antiviral properties as well as durability to the surface of an optically active component of an optical device through covalent bonding, QAC compounds comprising thermally activated moieties such as epoxy or blocked or unblocked isocyanate can be envisioned as a mechanism to provide covalent bonding to the optically active component of an optical device and, for the sake of simplicity, in this specification such QAC compounds are included in the category of Si-QACs. The scope of the instant invention thus includes QAC compounds that contain any chemical moiety that provides a covalent bond to the surface of the optically active component of an optical device.

[0033] The method of application of such surface treatments can vary. Such common surface treatment techniques as dip coating as well as evaporative deposition onto lens surfaces have been demonstrated, with subsequent activity of the treated substrates against Streptococcus aureus and E. coli measured at greater than 4.7 log and 2.1 log, respectively.

[0034] While different chemical derivatives of Si-QACs can be utilized in the practice of the instant invention, it will be readily evident to an individual having average skill in the art that certain Si-QAC derivatives will be more suited to some deposition techniques, while other derivatives will be more suited to other deposition techniques. For instance, a Si-QAC monomer solution in acidified alcohol and water is highly amenable to a dip-coating technique, while a solid, partially condensed Si-QAC composition is more amenable to an evaporative deposition method. Antibacterial and /or antiviral treatment compositions for optical components and methods of application are thus described. The antibacterial and / or antiviral treatment compositions for optical component comprise a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) that can covalently bond to an optical component. In a preferred embodiment, it contains a hydrolyzable silicon moiety to form a silicon-containing quaternary ammonium compound (SiQAC). The SiQAC is able to covalently bond to the surface of an optical component through its hydrolyzable silicon moiety. The covalent bond between the SiQAC and the material surface of the optical component generates a durable antibacterial and / or antiviral activity on the surface of the optical component without appreciably altering the optical properties of the optical component.

[0035] The optically active surface may be fabricated of any material or combination of materials suitable for use in an optical device. For example, and without limitation, in some embodiments, the optical component may be fabricated from a glass material, a polar polymer, a polysilicate, polyalkylsilicate, polyzirconate, or a perfluoroether, fluoroalkyl polymer, an oxide of zirconium or an oxide of silicon. The polar polymer may include a polymer selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyallyldiglycolcarbonate, and polymethylmethacrylate.

[0036] In evaporatively applying the SiQAC to the surface of the optical component, a condensed form of SiQAC is deposited onto an optically active surface, such as glass and polymer optical components (lenses) through an evaporative process or a dip coating process. In a dip coating process, the use of a monomeric SiQAC is preferred. The composition may also be a quaternary ammonium compound that is not bonded to a hydrolyzable silicon moiety, but which contains a thermosettable moiety that can covalently bond to the optically active surface.

[0037] In one aspect, an antibacterial and antiviral treatment composition, comprises: a quaternary ammonium compound and a hydrolyzable silicon moiety, the hydrolyzable silicon moiety and the quaternary ammonium compound forming a silicon quaternary ammonium compound, whereby the silicon quaternary ammonium compound can covalently bond to a surface of an optical component, whereby the covalently bonded silicon quaternary ammonium compound bonded to the surface of the optical component generates durable antibacterial activity and antiviral activity on the surface of the optical component.

[0038] In another aspect, the hydrolyzable silicon moiety may be selected from the group consisting of alkoxysilanes.

[0039] In another aspect, the silicon quaternary ammonium compound may be selected from the group consisting of derivatives of quaternary ammonium compounds comprising at least one long-chain alkyl group.

[0040] In another aspect, the hydrolyzable silicon moiety may be selected from the group consisting of alkoxysilane that is pre-hydrolyzed prior to treating the surface of the optically active component.

[0041] In another aspect, the thermosettable moiety may be bonded to the quaternary ammonium compound wherein the thermosettable moiety is selected from the group consisting of epoxy and blocked or unblocked isocyanate.

[0042] In another aspect, the material that the optical component is manufactured from or the surface upon which the antibacterial and / or antiviral treatment is coated may include at least one of the following: a glass material, a polar organic polymer, a poly silicate, a polyalkylsilicate, a polyzirconate, a perfluoroether, and a fluoroalkyl polymer.

[ 0043 ] In another aspect, the silicon quaternary ammonium compound may be applied to the surface of the optical component through an evaporative process.

[0044] In another aspect, the antibacterial and / or antiviral treatment composition may include a thermosettable moiety selected from the group consisting of derivatives of quaternary ammonium compounds which further comprise at least one long-chain alkyl group.

[0045] One objective of the present invention is to covalently bond the silicon Quaternary Ammonium Compound to the material surface of the optical component, so as to generate persistent antibacterial and / or antiviral activity on the surface of the optical component.

[ 0046] A second objective is to provide an optical component exhibiting antibacterial and / or antiviral activity that comprises an optical component coated with a composition comprising a Si-QAC.

[0047] And yet another objective is to provide an easy evaporative process to apply the SiQAC to the optical component.

[0048] It is known in the art that Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) are the active ingredients in many household disinfecting wipes and sprays and are also used as additives in various soaps and nonalcohol-based hand sanitizers. This is because of their ability to eradicate surface bacteria and common viruses such as influenza by disrupting their phospholipid membranes. In similar fashion, the covalently bonded Si-QAC on the surface of an optical component generates antibacterial/ anti viral activity on the surface of the optical component.

[0049] In operation, when a hydrolyzable silicon moiety is bonded to a quaternary ammonium compound, the silicon moiety covalently bonds to either the inorganic glass or the polymer substrate and, in so doing, provides the mechanism by which the quaternary ammonium portion of the compound is permanently attached to the substrate. It is significant to note that the SiQAC is not simply a water or solvent soluble salt that is impermanent on the surfaces to which it is applied.

[0050] Also, in the practice of the present invention, the SiQAC gives the material a durable, "semi-permanent" antibacterial and/or antiviral activity because it is covalently bonded to the substrate surface.

[0051] The silicon moiety is not simply added to the QAC 102, as in mixing chemicals in a laboratory. Rather, the hydrolyzable silicon moiety is part of the molecular structure.of the QAC. That is to say, there is only one chemical compound, and that compound is both a QAC and a compound that has, as part of its molecular structure, a hydrolyzable, silicon moiety.

[0052] In one non-limiting embodiment, the silicon moiety comprises a hydrolyzable silicon moiety. The hydrolyzable silane group can be pre-hydrolyzed prior to application to the optically active component of said optical component. In some embodiments, the hydrolyzable silicon moiety may be selected from the group consisting of alkoxysilanes. In yet other embodiments, the hydrolyzable silicon moiety may be selected from the group consisting of alkoxysilane that is pre-hydrolyzed prior to treating the surface of the optically active component which provides a mechanism to covalently link the antimicrobial QAC portion of the molecule to the optical component substrate. In yet another embodiment, in lieu of a hydrolyzable silane moiety, a thermosettable chemical moiety selected from the group consisting of epoxy and blocked or unblocked isocyanate may be present.

[0053] The hydrolyzable silicon moiety provides a solution to covalently link the antimicrobial QAC portion of the molecule to the optical component substrate and make the antimicrobial property permanent. Firstly, this is novel in that any of these types of quaternary ammonium compounds, or "Quats,” that have hydrolyzable silicon moieties are applied to an optical device, specifically a lens surface. And secondly, some of the SiQAC can be a semi-condensed powder configured to be evaporatively applied to the surface of the optical component.

[0054] In one additional embodiment, the composition further comprises a thermosettable moiety. In one non-limiting embodiment, the thermosettable moiety is selected from the group consisting of epoxy and blocked or unblocked isocyanate.

[0055] Advantageously, the SiQAC covalently bonds to an optical component. In some embodiments, the optical component may comprise, without limitation, a glass material, a polar organic polymer, a polysilicate, a polyalkylsilicate, a polyzirconate, or a fluoroether or fluoroaklkyl polymer.

[0056] In one possible embodiment, the SiQAC is applied to the surface of the optical component through an evaporative process. Regardless of the deposition process however, the covalent bond occurs. Furthermore, certain condensed forms of SiQAC can be deposited onto optically active surfaces such as glass and polymer optical components (lenses) through an evaporative process. The method of application of such surface treatments can vary; however, the resulting composition comprises one in which the SiQAC is covalently and durably bonded to the surface of the optical component. Such common surface treatment techniques as dip coating as well as evaporative deposition onto lens surfaces have been demonstrated, with subsequent activity of the treated substrates against Streptococcus aureus and E. coli measured at greater than 4.7 log and 2.1 log, respectively.

[0057] Figure 2 is a flow diagram 200 of a method of application of an antibacterial and/or antiviral treatment for optical components in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At Step 1, an optically active surface may be obtained. The optically active surface may include any type of material or combination of materials which is/are suitable for fabricating optical devices. For example, and without limitation, the optically active surface may include a material selected from the group consisting of a glass material, a polar polymer, a polysilicate, a polyalkylsilicate, a polyzirconate, a perfluoroether, a fluoroalkyl polymer, an oxide of zirconium, and an oxide of silicon. In some embodiments, the polar polymer may include a polymer selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyallyldiglycolcarbonate, and polymethylmethacrylate.

[0058] The optically active surface may include at least one surface on an optic device such as eyeglass or ophthalmic lenses, contact lenses, goggles, and face shields, for example and without limitation.

[0059] At Step 2, an antibacterial and/or antiviral composition may be formed on the optically active surface by covalently bonding a quaternary ammonium salt to the optically active surface. The quaternary ammonium salt may include a silicon quaternary ammonium compound which includes at least one long-chain alkyl group. The long-chain alkyl group may have at least 6 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the long-chain alkyl group may have between 6 and 20 carbon atoms.

[0060] The quaternary ammonium salt of the composition may include a chemical moiety that covalently bonds to the optically active surface. For example, and without limitation, the chemical moiety may include a thermosettable moiety. In some embodiments, the thermosettable moiety may be selected from the group consisting of epoxy and blocked or unblocked isocyanate. In some embodiments, the chemical moiety may include a hydrolyzable silicon moiety. The hydrolyzable silicon moiety may be selected from the group consisting of alkoxysilanes. In some embodiments, the hydrolyzable silicon moiety may be selected from a group consisting of alkoxysilanes that are pre-hydrolyzed prior to treating the optically active surface.

[0061] The composition may be formed on the optically active surface using any technique or combination of deposition or application techniques known by those skilled in the art and suitable for the purpose. For example, and without limitation, the composition may be formed on or applied to the optically active surface by thermal activation, by a dip coating process or by an evaporative process. Other suitable deposition or application techniques include but are not limited to thermal activation.

Examples

[0062] Example 1: To a 0.48” O.D., 0.18” deep solid copper cup with an open top was added ~0.25g of condensed Si-QAC polymer solid material. The powder was gently pressed into the cup to form the edges for improved thermal contact. The cup was placed on a 2”x0.5” tungsten filament thermal boat in a Satis 280 box coater PVD chamber. A series of CR-39 lenses were fixtured, and a standard green antireflective coating was applied to the lens’ surfaces via the standard evaporative procedure using an electron beam gun and alternating high and low index material. In this case, the low index material used was silica which was used at the terminus layer in the coating. Once the antireflective coating was deposited and the vacuum was maintained at IxlO' ⁵ Torr, the thermal boat evaporation was initiated using 1-2% power on the controller. After several minutes, evaporation began as read by the quartz crystal measurement system in the box coater. A total of ~20nm using a density factor of 1.0m was applied to the lens surface. The chamber was then vented, and the lenses inspected for optical clarity and antireflective performance. The result was a markedly unaffected antireflective coating having a peak reflection of -1.5% and a standard reflectance curve shape typical of the coating stack. The overall transmittance was also unaffected as shown by the transmittance percentage measured against a masked lens of the same run. The water contact angle was measured to be roughly 80° indicating that the Si-QAC was present on the surface of the lens and contrasted with a water contact angle of <20° for masked antireflective coated lenses. The lenses were then submitted to Accugen labs for antimicrobial testing via ISO 22196 with the following results:

E. coli 1.21ogReduction

S. aureus 2.121ogReduction

[0063] Example 2: In a 2”x4”x8” deep stainless tub was mixed 14.5g of -70% trimethoxysilylpropyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride monomer, 530g of 99% isopropyl alcohol and 0.5 g of glacial acetic acid. The tub was then held at room temperature for the coating process. Next, freshly deposited antireflective coating was sputter coated on to a 40mm CR-39 lens. The lens was carefully removed from the coating machine and fixtured for dip coating. The lens was then submerged in said coating bath for -6 minutes, followed by rinsing gently with isopropyl alcohol to remove any excess material. The lens was allowed to dry, and the water contact angle was measured to be -85°, which is indicative of the presence of the Si-QAC material present on the surface as compared to the <20° water contact angle for a non-coated, freshly sputter coated antireflective lens coating. Regarding the optical properties, the result was an unaffected antireflective coating having a peak reflection of -1.5% and a standard reflectance curve shape typical of the coating stack. The overall transmittance was also unaffected. This process was repeated several times and the lenses were sent for antimicrobial testing according to ISO 22196 Accugen labs. The results were determined to be as follows:

E. coli Greater than llogReduction

S. aureus Greater than 3 log Reduction

[0064] Example 3: Flat borosilicate microscope slides were cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and allowed to dry. The monomeric antimicrobial Si-QAC solution used to prepare the dip coating in example 2 was wiped onto both surfaces of the slides and allowed to cure at RT for 15min. The coating was then gently buffed until the optical effect was minimized or absent to the eye. The slides were then packaged and shipped to XXX (INSERT NAME OF THE LABORATORY) labs for antimicrobial testing per ISO 22196. The results were determined to be as follows:

E. coli Greater than 1 log Reduction

S. aureus Greater than 3 log Reduction

[0065] Example 4: A standard green antireflective coating is applied to several 40mm CR-39 lenses via an in-line sputter coating machine. The terminal layer of antireflective coating is silica, being standard in the industry, and is left uncoated. The lens is then dipped into a series of solutions all containing the monomeric trimethoxysilylpropyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride between 1-5%. The solutions vary according to pH, temperature, concentration of active component, ionic strength, polarity of solvent, and total water content. The lenses are coated in the Si-QAC and rinsed with varying solvents including water, alcohols, and combinations thereof. The lenses are then labeled and sent to a laboratory for antimicrobial testing according to ISO22196. The results are as follows:

E. coli Greater than 1 log Reduction

S. Greater than 3 log Reduction