Antibacterial cellulose composite: using SET-LRP for cellulose surface modification with quaternized...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Cellulose is a biocompatible and abundant natural polymer.
• Improving the compatibility of cellulose with synthetic matrices like PVC is crucial for advanced applications.
• Incorporating antibacterial properties into materials is essential for preventing infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To graft quaternized poly-dimethylammoniumethylacrylate (PDMAEAQ) onto cellulose.
• To enhance the compatibility of cellulose with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix.
• To impart antibacterial properties to the modified cellulose/PVC composite.

Main Methods:

• Cellulose surface functionalization with 2-bromoisobutyric acid as an initiator.
• Single Electron Transfer Living Radical Polymerization (SET-LRP) of dimethylaminoethylacrylate (DMAEA).
• Quaternization of DMAEA units with 1-bromododecane and compounding with PVC.

Main Results:

• The modified cellulose/PVC composite exhibited significant antibacterial activity against tested bacterial strains.
• Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and water contact angle measurements confirmed enhanced matrix compatibility.
• While PVC presented 3D printing difficulties, the modified cellulose composite indicated potential for other matrices.

Conclusions:

• Grafting PDMAEAQ onto cellulose successfully created antibacterial materials with improved compatibility.
• The study highlights the potential of modified cellulose for developing functional composites.
• Further research into alternative matrices is recommended for successful 3D printing applications.