A novel macroporous cross-linked antimicrobial resin containing quaternarized N-halamine groups, poly(1-chloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoinyl-3-ethyl-p-ethenylphenylmethyl dimethylammonium chloride) (CI-PSQH), has been synthesized by a facile three-step reaction. The as-prepared resins were characterized by FT-IR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and zeta-potential measurement. Antimicrobial tests showed that CI-PSQH was capable of about a 7-log inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7 within 1 min of contact. Also, its regenerability and preliminary storage stability were investigated. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.