Synthesis and Characterization of Pyridine-Grafted Copolymers of Acrylic Acid–Styrene Derivatives for Antimicrobial and Fluorescence Applications

Abstract

The goal of the present study was to copolymerize 3-(4-acetylphenylcarbamoyl) acrylic acid and styrene using azo-bis-isobutyronitrile (AIBN) as a catalyst. The resulting copolymers exhibited number average molecular weights (Mn) of 3.73–5.23 × 104 g/mol with a variable polydispersity (PDI = 2.3–3.8). The amide group of the PMA/PSA polymer was used for grafting poly (-styrene-maleic acid substituted aromatic 2-aminopyridine) by the Hantzsch reaction using a substituted aromatic aldehyde, malononitrile, and ammonium acetate. The polymer can emit strong blue fluorescence (λ = 510 nm) and its thermal stability and solubility were enhanced by polymer grafting. Moreover, the polymer showed the fluorescence spectra of the copolymer had a strong, broad emission band between 300 to 550 nm (maximum wavelength 538 nm) under excitation at 293 nm. The Hantzsch reaction yields an interesting class of nitrogen-based heterocycles that combine with a synthetic strategy for synthesis of grafted co-polymer pyridine-styrene derivatives. The as-prepared pyridine-based polymer compounds were screened against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, where a maximum inhibition zone toward all four types of bacteria was observed, including specific antifungal activity. Herein, a series of pyridine compounds were synthesized that showed enhanced fluorescent properties and antimicrobial properties due to their unique structure and ability to form polymer assemblies.

Synthesis and characterization of zwitter ion functionalized Poly(styrene) based random co-polymer: One pot method

“…A copolymer between styrene and butylacrylate was made with improved mechanical properties [19] . Pyridine grafted acrylicacid was copolymerized with styrene with improved antimicrobial and florescent properties [20] . Styrene -propylene oxide copolymer was reported in the literature [21] .…”