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

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 (M<sub>n</sub>) of 3.73–5.23 × 10<sup>4</sup> g/mol...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Periyan Durairaju, Chinnasamy Umarani, Jothi Ramalingam Rajabather, Amer M. Alanazi, Govindasami Periyasami, Lee D. Wilson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-06-01
Series:Micromachines
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/12/6/672
Description
Summary: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 (M<sub>n</sub>) of 3.73–5.23 × 10<sup>4</sup> 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.
ISSN:2072-666X