Multifunctional polyeugenol-based nanoparticles with antioxidant and antibacterial properties

Abstract

Over the past few decades, extensive scientific has been dedicated to polymer synthesis employing renewable resources. In this study, we devised and synthesized multifunctional polyeugenol-based nanoparticles, exhibiting remarkable antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The grafting of eugenol onto the nanoparticle surface was achieved via a thiol-ene chemical reaction with a grafting rate of 3.5%. To comprehend the properties of the synthesized nanoparticles, we employed Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and pyrolysis-gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Subsequent scanning electron microscopic and transmission electron microscopic analyses revealed the presence of a crosslinked structure within the polyeugenol-based nanoparticles, as well as a heterogeneous microsphere structure on the surface. Due to the inherent crosslinking structure, the polyeugenol-based nanoparticles demonstrated robust the resistance to solvents, as ascertained through thermogravimetric analysis and solvent resistance tests. Notably, nitrogen adsorption/desorption studies confirmed the adsorption capacity of the polyeugenol-based nanoparticles, rendering them potentially suitable for drug transport applications. Moreover, the assays for assessing cytocompatibility and reactive oxygen species scavenging activities demonstrated better performance of the eugenol-based nanoparticles compared to eugenol. Furthermore, the polyeugenol-based nanoparticles exhibited certain bactericidal activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Consequently, these observations indicated the nontoxic nature and expansive application prospects of the polyeugenol-based nanoparticles in the domains of medicine and food preservation. This work presented a pioneering concept for the development of antioxidant and antibacterial multifunctional polymer materials derived from eugenol.