Synthesis and Characterization of High Viscosity Cationic Poly(Proline-Epichlorohydrin) Composite Polymer with...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Microbiology

Background:

• Cationic polymers offer potential for antimicrobial applications and environmental remediation.
• Poly(proline-epichlorohydrin) composite (PRO-EPI) is a high-viscosity material synthesized for dual functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antimicrobial properties of PRO-EPI against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
• To investigate the catalytic activity of PRO-EPI in the degradation of Congo Red dye.

Main Methods:

• PRO-EPI synthesis via polycondensation.
• Characterization using FTIR, 1H NMR, SEM, DLS, viscosity, DSC/TGA.
• Antimicrobial activity testing via MIC determination.
• Catalytic degradation of Congo Red using UV-vis spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• PRO-EPI demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, P. aeruginosa) with MICs of 128 µg/mL.
• No significant inhibitory effect was observed against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus).
• PRO-EPI effectively catalyzed the removal of Congo Red dye within 20 minutes, with a rate constant of 0.92 ks⁻¹.

Conclusions:

• PRO-EPI exhibits dual functionality as an antimicrobial agent and a catalyst for dye removal.
• The antimicrobial mechanism involves electrostatic interactions and intracellular targeting of Gram-negative bacteria.
• PRO-EPI offers a biodegradable and non-toxic solution for wastewater treatment and microbial control.