Synthesis of ester-free poly(trimethylene carbonate) bearing cinnamyl moiety for antibacterial biomaterials applications

Antimicrobial biocompatible polymers have highly desirable materials in medical technology to prevent any healthcare-associated infections from the in-dwelling on medical device that could pose a risk to patients, and this is gaining attention particularly in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, ester free type of poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) derivatives containing cinnamyl group has been synthesized. Also, several of alcohol-based initiators; benzyl alcohol, 2,2-dimethyl-1-propanol, 4-(2-hydroxyethoxy) benzaldehyde and 2-(p-tolyloxy)ethan-1-ol and polymer structure has been designed and analyzed its molecular weight on thermal and physical properties effect. The homopolymers and copolymers of PTMC derivatives with cinnamyl group had achieved with molecular weight up to 7400 - 12,300 g/mol with the improved physical state and glass transition temperature, T-g at 8 degrees C respectively. Different types of essential oil, which is thymol and carvacrol, have been incorporated with cinnamyl PTMC had resulted the suppression of E.coli and S.aureus growth. The results showed a promising of introduction of cinnamyl derivatives into ester free-type of PTMC derivatives, as well as create more alcohol-initiators for polymerization of trimethylene carbonate, for more advanced devel-opment in the future.

Automated summary

Antimicrobial biocompatible polymers are highly valuable materials in medical technology, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study synthesized ester-free derivatives of poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) with cinnamyl group and analyzed their molecular weight effects. The incorporation of cinnamyl derivatives into PTMC showed improved physical properties and suppressed the growth of E.coli and S.aureus.