Controlled Regulation of Antibacterial and Degradable Performance via Host (Cyclodextrin)-Guest (Vanillin) Multilevel...

The development of biobased polymeric materials is expected to reduce dependence on nonrenewable resources. However, the controlled regulation of performance via host-guest multilevel structures remains a great challenge. To tackle this challenge, host-guest block copolymers (P(CD)₂-b-P(VMA)_x, x = 7, 10, 72, 159) were fabricated by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) block copolymerization using β-cyclodextrin-derived monomer and biomass-derived vanillin monomer as the host-guest building blocks. In parallel, P(CD)₂-b-P(VMA)_x self-assembled in situ into honeycomb nanoporous channel materials via two-dimensional (2D) mechanical interlocking and three-dimensional (3D) physical cross-linking. Notably, high cross-linking density (x = 7, 10) showed 89.0% against both E. coli and S. aureus and complete hydrolysis of the ester bonds of host-guest building blocks on the copolymer chain, while low cross-linking density (x = 72, 159) had no antibacterial activity and was partially hydrolyzed. Overall, this strategy showcases an approach for regulating the multilevel structures, providing an eco-friendly material with adjustable properties.