Can PEI microgels become biocompatible upon betainization?
Nurettin Sahiner1, Sahin Demirci2
1Faculty of Science & Arts, Chemistry Department, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Terzioglu Campus, 17100 Canakkale, Turkey; Nanoscience and Technology Research and Application Center (NANORAC), Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Terzioglu Campus, 17100 Canakkale, Turkey.
Abstract:
Polyethylene imine (PEI) microgels prepared via micro emulsion polymerization technique were treated with 1,3-propane sultone to obtained betainized PEI (b-PEI) microgels. The betainization reaction generated zwitterions on PEI microgel that are positive charges from quarternized amine groups of PEI, and the newly formed negative charges from SO3- groups from the modifying agent, 1,3-propane sultone offered interesting properties. The smaller size of b-PEI microgels that are obtained by simple filtration were increased with betainization from 512±14 to 1114±86nm. Also, the betainization of PEI microgel provided negative zeta potential values at high pH values as 9, 10, 11, and 12. Moreover, the b-PEI microgels render more effective dye absorption capabilities for anionic or cationic organic dyes such as Methyl Orange (MO) and Methylene Blue (MB) separately with the significant increase dye adsorption capacity of 354±31 and 274±19mg/g respectively. Moreover, antibacterial properties of b-PEI microgels tested on the E. coli ATCC 8739 and S. aureus ATCC 6538 were diminished whereas bare PEI has low MIC and MBC values (strong antibacterial properties). Interestingly, the PEI microgels known for their strong antibacterial and toxic nature found to be biocompatible upon betainization reaction. The biocompatibility test were carried with WST-1 tests and double staining methods. The cytotoxicity, apoptotic and necrotic cell tests were shown that PEI microgels induce no cytotoxicity up to 400μg/mL whereas PEI microgels possessed 50% toxicity at this concentration, suggesting that b-PEI microgels become biocompatible upon betainization with, 3-propane sultone.
Insights
Betainized polyethylene imine (PEI) microgels exhibit enhanced dye absorption and become biocompatible, losing their antibacterial properties. This modification transforms toxic PEI into a safer material for potential applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Polyethylene imine (PEI) microgels are synthesized via microemulsion polymerization.
- PEI microgels possess inherent antibacterial properties but also exhibit toxicity.
- Developing safer and functionalized PEI-based materials is of significant interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize betainized PEI (b-PEI) microgels by modifying PEI microgels with 1,3-propane sultone.
- To investigate the structural, physical, and functional property changes in PEI microgels after betainization.
- To evaluate the dye adsorption capabilities and biocompatibility of the modified b-PEI microgels.
Main Methods:
- Microemulsion polymerization to prepare PEI microgels.
- Chemical modification of PEI microgels with 1,3-propane sultone to introduce zwitterionic groups.
- Characterization of microgel size, zeta potential, and dye adsorption capacity.
- Biocompatibility assessment using WST-1 assays and cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and necrosis tests.
Main Results:
- Betainization increased microgel size and imparted negative zeta potential at high pH.
- b-PEI microgels demonstrated significantly enhanced adsorption capacities for Methyl Orange (354±31 mg/g) and Methylene Blue (274±19 mg/g).
- Antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus was diminished, while PEI microgels showed no cytotoxicity up to 400 μg/mL, indicating biocompatibility.
Conclusions:
- Betainization of PEI microgels successfully generated zwitterionic structures with altered properties.
- The modified b-PEI microgels show promise for dye removal applications.
- Betainization effectively mitigates the toxicity of PEI microgels, rendering them biocompatible for potential biomedical or environmental applications.
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