An antimicrobial polymer compound is provided having the formula (I) in which R is selected to provide acceptable characteristics to the compound. R is preferably selected from simple alkyl chains having from 1 to 15 carbon atoms and generally no more than 4 or 6 carbon atoms; tertiary amine groups having short chain alkyl groups with from 1 to 15 carbon atoms and generally no more than 4 or 6 carbon atoms; aromatic compounds having only one aromatic ring with one or more simple substituents such as hydroxide; and quaternary ammonium salts, preferably bromide or iodide, wherein the substituents are short chain alkyl groups with from 1 to 15 carbon atoms and generally no more than 4 or 6 carbon atoms. The antimicrobial polymer compound may be formed into fibers, especially nano fibers, and the fibers may be formed into filter elements especially for air or water.