Click synthesis of neutral, cationic, and zwitterionic poly(propargyl glycolide)-co-poly(ɛ-caprolactone)-based aliphatic polyesters as antifouling biomaterials

Quantum dots modified with quaternized poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) for selective recognition and killing of bacteria over mammalian cells

Copper-free click chemistry has been used to graft quaternized poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (QPA) modified with azide to the quantum dots (QDs) derived with dibenzocyclooctynes (DBCO). The success of the quaternary ammonium polymer-modified QDs was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), fluorescence spectroscopy, zeta (ζ) potential, size distribution, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The QPA-modified QDs exhibited properties of selective recognition and killing of bacteria. The novelty of this study lies in fact that the synthesis method of the antimicrobial QPA-modified QDs is simple. Moreover, from another standpoint, QPA-modified QDs simultaneously possess abilities of selective recognition and killing of bacteria over mammalian cells, which is very different from the currently designed multifunctional antimicrobial systems composed of complicated systematic compositions.

Click synthesis of quaternized poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) functionalized graphene oxide with improved antibacterial and antifouling ability

A quaternized poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) functionalized graphene oxide (GO-QPDMAEMA) was successfully prepared in this study via click chemistry. Alkyne-functionalized graphene oxide (GO-alkyne) was first synthesized through a two-step amidation reaction of GO-COOH. Meanwhile, azide-terminated poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA-N3) was prepared via the atom-transfer radical-polymerization of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA). Subsequently, PDMAEMA-N3 was grafted onto the GO-alkyne through click chemistry to obtain PDMAEMA modified graphene oxide (GO-PDMAEMA). Finally, the tertiary amino groups of GO-PDMAEMA were quaternized by ethyl bromide to provide a quaternized poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) functionalized graphene oxide (GO-QPDMAEMA). Various characterization techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-vis spectrometry, ζ potential, Raman, contact angle analyses and field emission scanning electron microscope were used to ascertain the successful preparation of the quaternized GO-QPDMAEMA. Furthermore, antibacterial and antifouling activities of GO-QPDMAEMA were investigated via protein adsorption, as well as bacterial and cell adhesion studies. The results suggest that the GO-QPDMAEMA surface exhibited significant antibacterial and antifouling properties, compared with the GO-COOH and GO-PDMAEMA surfaces.

Antifouling coatings based on covalently cross-linked agarose film via thermal azide-alkyne cycloaddition

Coatings based on thin films of agarose-poly(ethylene glycol) (Agr-PEG) cross-linked systems are developed as environmentally-friendly and fouling-resistant marine coatings. The Agr-PEG cross-linked systems were prepared via thermal azide-alkyne cycloaddition (AAC) using azido-functionalized Agr (AgrAz) and activated alkynyl-containing poly(2-propiolamidoethyl methacrylate-co-poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate) P(PEMA-co-PEGMEMA) random copolymers as the precursors. The Agr-PEG cross-linked systems were further deposited onto a SS surface, pre-functionalized with an alkynyl-containing biomimetic anchor, dopamine propiolamide, to form a thin film after thermal treatment. The thin film-coated SS surfaces can effectively reduce the adhesion of marine algae and the settlement of barnacle cyprids. Upon covalent cross-linking, the covalently cross-linked Agr-PEG films coated SS surfaces exhibit good stability in flowing artificial seawater, and enhanced resistance to the settlement of barnacle cyprids, in comparison to that of the surfaces coated with physically cross-linked AgrAz films.