A polyester with hyperbranched architecture as potential nano-grade antibiotics: An in-vitro study

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Development of novel nanomedicines is crucial for combating bacterial infections.
• Hyperbranched polymers offer unique properties for drug delivery and therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a potential nanograde antibiotic with a hyperbranched architecture.
• To evaluate its antibacterial efficacy, selectivity, biocompatibility, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

Main Methods:

• Melt esterification of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with citric acid (CA) at a 1:1 mol ratio.
• Synthesis using PEG of varying molecular weights (4000, 6000, 20,000).
• Characterization using spectroscopy, viscosity, and rheology; in-vitro pathological studies.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized water-soluble, nanometric polyester molecules with a melting point of 55-60°C.
• Branching and flowability decreased with increasing PEG molecular weight.
• All synthesized grades exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, high selectivity, and biocompatibility.
• Controlled generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed.

Conclusions:

• The hyperbranched polyester synthesized from PEG and CA demonstrates promising therapeutic efficiency as a nanomedicine.
• The grade with maximum branching showed the highest efficacy, indicating potential for further development as an antibiotic agent.