Hydrophilic and salt responsive polymers promote depletion aggregation of bacteria

Stimuli responsive, smart materials are extensively used as drug delivery carriers, antifouling surfaces, and as sensing and actuation devices. Among these materials; hydrophilic, neutral and biocompatible polymers are especially interesting for their strong water absorption properties, which makes them useful for a variety of applications in biotechnology and biomedicines. One example of neutral, hydrophilic and stimuli responsive polymer is poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), which exhibits excellent antifouling and salt-responsive properties in solution. Herein, we present the synthesis and stimuli responsive properties of PEG-like hydrophilic polymers, and the study of their antibacterial and antifouling properties. The synthesis of novel hydrophilic vitamin B5 analogous polymers, namely poly(B5AMA), of different molecular weights and cross-linking densities is achieved by free radical polymerization method. The neutral polymers of different sizes and cross-linking densities prepared are then evaluated for their salt-responsive, antifouling and biocompatible properties in vitro.