Cationic Copolymers Based On Styrene And N,N-Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate For Antibacterial Activity Applications

Cationic copolymers based on styrene and N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) were synthesized. Styrene was reacted with DMAEMA through conventional free radical polymerization. This reaction was performed using styrene to DMAEMA ratios of 1:0.25, 1:0.5, 1:1, and 1:2 moles to form copolymers SD0.25, SD0.5, SD1, and SD2, respectively. The resultant copolymers were characterized by Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR) spectroscopy. The surface morphology was studied using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The positive charge was introduced to the formed copolymers through alkylation with hexyl bromide forming the corresponding cationic copolymers; CSD0.25, CSD0.5, CSD1, and CSD2, respectively. The cationic copolymers were characterized by FTIR, 1HNMR, wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and FESEM. The antibacterial activity of the copoylmers and their cationic forms were tested against Escherichia coli serotype O145 (E. ColiO0145) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) strains. CSD0.5 and CSD1 were found to have a promising antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains.