Dendrons as active clicking tool for generating non-leaching antibacterial materials

Abstract

We show a novel concept of using dendrons as a tool for making non-active materials antibacterial in a simple way. A dendron is a part of a dendrimer with the advantage of having many peripheral functional groups and a focal point. We used this structural advantage in making an antibacterial polymeric tool for clicking to other non-active polymers and surfaces. We show the success of the concept by making new antibacterial poly(urethane-biuret) dendrons containing quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) on the periphery and a primary hydroxyl group as the focal point in one pot. The chemical structure and thermal properties of the dendrons were fully studied. All quaternized dendrons were stable until above 200 °C. The newly synthesized dendrons show high activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) as tested by the determination of MIC, MBC values and the Kirby–Bauer assay. The hydroxyl group enabled the attachment of the dendrons to a cotton mat and PU foam, as a reactive additive, bringing them non-leaching fast bactericidal activity. The interaction of urethane and biuret bonds in the dendrons’ backbone led to a transparent non-leaching bactericidal coating on the treated glass slides.