Antibacterial and hemolytic properties of acrylate-based random ternary copolymers comprised of same center cationic, ethyl and poly(oligoethylene glycol) side chains. (5th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brittin, Jeremiah; Fry, Michelle R.; Punia, Ashish; Johnson, Keith A.; Sengupta, Arijit
• Is Part Of: European polymer journal. Volume 132(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06-05
• Subjects: Antimicrobial polymers -- Ternary cationic copolymers -- Polyacrylates -- E. coli -- B. subtilis; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; Polymerization; Polymers; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.109757
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3057

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Antibacterial and hemolytic properties of ternary PEGylated copolymers are probed. Polymer selectivity (bacteria vs. RBC) is guided by tuning structure composition. Compared to RBC, the selective activity is >68 for E. coli and 400 for B. subtilis . FLIM study demonstrated antibacterial activity involves cell membrane disruption. Abstract: Synthetic polymers mimicking antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in combating "superbugs" have received considerable attention in the genre of antimicrobial polymeric materials. Herein, we report the antibacterial and hemolytic activities of two series of random acrylate-based ternary copolymers with pendant hexamethylene ammonium, poly(oligoethylene glycol), and ethyl or N-methylethyl ammonium side chains. We have demonstrated that highly selective activity towards Escherichia coli ( E. coli >68 times) and Bacillus subtilis ( B. subtilis 400 times) compared to red blood cells can be achieved by controlling the structural composition of these copolymers via optimization of feed composition involving lipophilic units, cationic side-chain units, and neutral hydrophilic units. Furthermore, we have demonstrated a loss of viability for E. coli and B. subtilis following exposure to the copolymers using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM), reinforcing the antibacterial efficacy of the synthesized ternary copolymers.