Antibacterial And Drug-Release Dual-Function Membranes Of Cross-Linked Hyperbranched Cationic Polymers

Novel antibacterial and drug-release dual-function membranes based on the cross-linked hyperbranched cationic polymers (c-HCPM) were synthesized by cross-linkage of hyperbranched poly(4-chloromethylstyrene) (PVBC) followed by quaternary amination or quaternary phosphonium salinization. The resulting c-HCPMs have a good hydrophilicity and swelling ability and show excellent broad-spectrum antibacterial and anti-bacterial adhesion properties against gram negative Escherichia coli and gram positive Staphylococcus aureus. Meanwhile, curcumin, a medicine that can promote wound healing, was successfully loaded in the c-HCPM membranes. The curcumin release performance of the c-HCPM membranes was investigated by an in vitro drug release experiment. The curcumin loaded c-HCPMs exhibited a significant performance of controlled curcumin release. These results suggest that the dual-function of antibacterial and controlled drug-release were successfully realized by the c-HCPMs. The hyperbranched structure of PVBC having abundant terminal cations and intramolecular cavities was postulated to afford c-HCPMs the excellent antibacterial and controlled drug release performances. In this study, the influences of the kind and substituent of the cations in the membrane on the antibacterial and drug release performances of c-HCPMs were systematically investigated. In addition, hemcompatibility and cytotoxicity studies were performed on c-HCPMs, the results indicate that c-HCPMs have good biocompatibility and can be used as a potential antibacterial dressing for wounds. The curcumin loaded c-HCPM can be a potential wound dressing material that has the dual function of anti-bacterial infection and promoting wound healing.