Hyperbranched Polyesters Containing Natural Antibacterial Compounds
Category
Sciences and Technology
Department
Biology
Student Status
Undergraduate
Research Advisor
Dr. Jody Neef
Document Type
Event
Location
Student Center Ballroom
Start Date
10-4-2025 2:00 PM
End Date
10-4-2025 4:00 PM
Description
Bacterial infections and bacterial contamination of food is a growing concern with the rise of antibiotic resistance bacteria. Several approaches such as antimicrobial peptides, silver nanoparticles, imidazolium salts, or carbohydrate polymers have shown promise in combating bacteria. Another approach which has received considerable attention is the use of polyphenols. Polyphenols are known are naturally occurring antibacterial compounds. Here, we are reporting the incorporation of salicylic acid, aspirin, or ibuprofen into a hyperbranched polymer for antibacterial applications. The synthesis of these materials is a straight forward one-pot, two-step process. (see figure below) Adipic acid was reacted with glycerol triglycidyl ether in refluxing IPA overnight. Salicylic acid, aspirin, or ibuprofen was then added to the flask to react with the resulting hyperbranched polymer at reflux. These materials were characterized by IR and H-NMR spectroscopy. Following characterization, the antibacterial properties of each material was tested with gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The test involved addition of the hyperbranched polymer to a membrane. The membrane was added to a petri dish containing Agar followed by addition of the bacteria. The bacteria were then cultured followed by determination of bacterial inhibition.
Hyperbranched Polyesters Containing Natural Antibacterial Compounds
Student Center Ballroom
Bacterial infections and bacterial contamination of food is a growing concern with the rise of antibiotic resistance bacteria. Several approaches such as antimicrobial peptides, silver nanoparticles, imidazolium salts, or carbohydrate polymers have shown promise in combating bacteria. Another approach which has received considerable attention is the use of polyphenols. Polyphenols are known are naturally occurring antibacterial compounds. Here, we are reporting the incorporation of salicylic acid, aspirin, or ibuprofen into a hyperbranched polymer for antibacterial applications. The synthesis of these materials is a straight forward one-pot, two-step process. (see figure below) Adipic acid was reacted with glycerol triglycidyl ether in refluxing IPA overnight. Salicylic acid, aspirin, or ibuprofen was then added to the flask to react with the resulting hyperbranched polymer at reflux. These materials were characterized by IR and H-NMR spectroscopy. Following characterization, the antibacterial properties of each material was tested with gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The test involved addition of the hyperbranched polymer to a membrane. The membrane was added to a petri dish containing Agar followed by addition of the bacteria. The bacteria were then cultured followed by determination of bacterial inhibition.
