Antimicrobial Activity of Hybrid Nanomaterials Based on Star and Linear Polymers of N,N′-Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate with In Situ Produced Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

<jats:p>Well-defined linear and multi-arm star polymer structures were used as the templates for in situ synthesis and stabilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This approach led to hybrid nanomaterials with high stability and antibacterial activity to both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The ecologically friendly so called “green” synthesis of nanomaterials was performed through AgNPs preparation in the aqueous solutions of star and linear poly(N,N′-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)s (PDMAEMAs); the process was followed with time. The size, shape, and zeta potential of the obtained hybrids were determined. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the antibacterial activity of PDMAEMA hybrid nanomaterial against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated and assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum biocidal concentration (MBC). Completely quaternized with ethyl bromide, star and linear PDMAEMAs were used in comparative biological tests. The modification of the polymers with in situ-formed AgNPs increased the antibacterial properties against all studied strains of bacteria by several times in comparison to non-modified polymers and quaternized polymers. These results yield novel nanohybrid materials that can be useful for applications in medicine and biology.</jats:p>

The Role of Polymer Structure in Formation of Various Nano- and Microstructural Materials: 30 Years of Research in the Laboratory of Nano- and Microstructural Materials at the Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials PAS

“…The cationic PDMAEMA star and its linear analog were able to reduce silver ions and led to the formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) without any additional reducing agent. The polymer acts simultaneously as a stabilizer of the formed nanoparticles [ 71 ]. The hybrid nanomaterial based on star PDMAEMA was more stable than AgNPs with linear PDMAEMA, which indicated that the star structures better prevented undesirable aggregation of silver nanoparticles in the solution.…”

“…The research was then extended to quaternized and nonquaternized star and linear polymers. All studied structures exhibited antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial strains, but the incorporation of AgNPs into polymer structures enhanced the bactericidal activity of such hybrids by several times [ 71 ].…”

Initial Characterization of PDMAEMA: Styrene Porous Polymer Monolithic Morphologies

“…It has been studied for its utility in gene delivery, as a sensor, and a mediator for drug encapsulation and release [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. This methacrylate polymer is usually polymerized into self-assembled moieties, brushes, dendrimers, and star-like forms [7,14,15]. It is also combined with common monomers such as styrene and polyethylene glycol to make for more flexible and expanded usage [10,11,16].…”

“…It is also combined with common monomers such as styrene and polyethylene glycol to make for more flexible and expanded usage [10,11,16]. This includes surface modifications as well as stand-alone structures [14,17,18].…”

Hybrid Polydopamine/Ag Shell-Encapsulated Magnetic Fe3O4 Nanosphere with High Antibacterial Activity

“…Because of the high surface energy, the Ag nanoparticles are easy to be aggregated in colloidal solution and subsequently reduce the antimicrobial activity. To this case, many Ag-nanocomposites have been fabricated to improve the dispersity by immobilizing the Ag nanocrystals on nanocarriers or being encapsulated within the porous templates, respectively [ 13 ]. To extend the effectiveness, the incorporation of Ag nano-antibacterial agents into a protection matrix is also favorable to enhance the sustainability [ 14 ].…”