Functionalization of zinc ferrites nanoparticles by cyclic aromatic polyimide chains as a novel star polymer with antibacterial activity and low toxicity

Abstract

The creation and development of biocompatible nanostructures pose significant challenges for biomedical purposes. This study presents a novel magnetic star polymer structure composed of cyclic polyimide chains as grown arms and a central ZnFe2O4 core with low toxicity and antibacterial activity for use in biological applications such as Targeted drug delivery, hyperthermia therapy and wound healing. To preparate this structure, the surface of MNPs was activated with anchor molecules, and then cyclic aromatic polyamide chains were polymerized using pyromellitic dianhydride and phenylenediamine derivatives on the surface-functionalized ZnFe2O4 MNPs. The cytotoxicity of this nanocomposite was evaluated using MTT tests on MCF10A cells, showing low cytotoxicity against healthy cells. Additionally, the MIC/MBC tests of the prepared star polymer were assessed against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and showed that this has antibacterial effect against these bacterial strains. From the results, it can be concluded that the prepared nanocomposite can be introduced as a new biological structure for biomedical applications.