Neomycin coupled to a polymer matrix via a metal linker was prepared and evaluated for prolonging antibacterial activity. Microcrystallized cellulose was chemically modified to cellulose xanthate(MCX) to afford metal binding sites. MCX was treated with Cu(II), Fe(III) or Zn(II) followed by reaction with neomycin (Ne). The release of Ne from MCX-Zn(II)-Ne was investigated and its activity duration was measured by ditch plate method. The amount of metal bound to MCX was 0.36 mmol/g matrix, 0.26 mmol/g matrix and 0.56 mmol/g matrix for Cu(II), Zn(II) and Fe(III), respectively. Ne bound to MCX-metal chelates was 0.006 mmol, 0.07 mmol and 0.01 mmol per g MCX for Cu(II), Zn(II) and Fe(III), respectively. The Ne release from MCX-Zn(II)-Ne was sustained even after seven washes, whereas Ne from MC/Zn(II)/Ne mixture was almost completely released in two washes. Antibacterial activity was prolonged with MCX-Zn(II)-Ne and MCX-Fe(III)-Ne, but not with MCX-Cu(II)-Ne when compared with that of free Ne. Taken together, these results suggest that neomycin coupled to MCX via a proper metal linker has a potential as a polymeric antibacterial agent with sustained activity.