Active Polymer Research Articles

Effects of inertia on conformation and dynamics of tangentially driven active filaments.

Active filamentlike systems propelling along their backbone exist across scales ranging from motor-driven biofilaments to worms and robotic chains. In macroscopic active filaments such as a chain of robots, in contrast to their microscopic counterparts, inertial effects on their motion cannot be ignored. Nonetheless, the consequences of the interplay between inertia and flexibility on the shape and dynamics of active filaments remain unexplored. Here we examine inertial effects on a flexible tangentially driven active polymer model pertinent to the above examples and we determine the conditions under which inertia becomes important. Performing Langevin dynamics simulations of active polymers with underdamped and overdamped dynamics for a wide range of contour lengths and activities, we uncover striking inertial effects on conformation and dynamics for high levels of activities. Inertial collisions increase the persistence length of active polymers and remarkably alter their scaling behavior. In stark contrast to passive polymers, inertia leaves its fingerprint at long times by an enhanced diffusion of the center of mass. We rationalize inertia-induced enhanced dynamics by analytical calculations of center-of-mass velocity correlations, applicable to any active polymer model, which reveal significant contributions from active force fluctuations convoluted by inertial relaxation.

Alkaloid Precipitant Reaction Inspired Controllable Synthesis of Mesoporous Tungsten Oxide Spheres for Biomarker Sensing.

Highly porous sensitive materials with well-defined structures and morphologies are extremely desirable for developing high-performance chemiresistive gas sensors. Herein, inspired by the classical alkaloid precipitant reaction, a robust and reliable active mesoporous nitrogen polymer sphere-directed synthesis method was demonstrated for the controllable construction of heteroatom-doped mesoporous tungsten oxide spheres. In the typical synthesis, P-doped mesoporous WO3 monodisperse spheres with radially oriented channels (P-mWO3-R) were obtained with a diameter of ∼180 nm, high specific surface area, and crystalline skeleton. The in situ-introduced P atoms could effectively adjust the coordination environment of W atoms (Wδ+-Ov), giving rise to dramatically enhanced active surface-adsorbed oxygen species and unusual metastable ε-WO3 crystallites. The P-mWO3-R spheres were applied for the sensing of 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (3H2B), a biomarker of foodborne pathogenic bacteria Listeria monocytogenes (LM). The sensor exhibited high sensitivity (Ra/Rg = 29 to 3 ppm), fast response dynamics (26/7 s), outstanding selectivity, and good long-term stability. Furthermore, the device was integrated into a wireless sensing module to realize remote real-time and precise detection of LM in practical applications, making it possible to evaluate food quality using gas sensors conveniently.

Advanced active polymer probe for near-field optics.

We report on a novel, to the best of our knowledge, active probe for scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM). A fluorescent nanosphere, acting as the secondary source, is grafted in an electrostatic manner at the apex of a polymer tip integrated into the extremity of an optical fiber. Thanks to the high photostability and sensitivity of the secondary source, the near-field interaction with a gold nanocube is investigated. It is shown that the spatial resolution is well defined by the size of the fluorescent nanosphere. The polarization-dependent near-field images, which are consistent with the simulation, are ascribed to the local excitation rate enhancement. Meanwhile, measurement of the distance-dependent fluorescence lifetime of the nanosphere provides strong evidence that the local density of states is modified so that extra information on nano-emitters can be extracted during near-field scanning. This advanced active probe can thus potentially broaden the range of applications to include nanoscale thermal imaging, biochemical sensors, and the manipulation of nanoparticles.

In-situ constructing of dual bifunctional interfacial layers of garnet-type Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 solid electrolyte towards long-cycle stability for flexible solid metal lithium batteries

Lithium metal batteries are used widely because of their high security and high energy density. However, the solid electrolytes and electrodes have incompatible interfaces, and the lithium anode is also hindered by dendrite growth. Herein, a bifunctional stable electrode interface layer is constructed by in-situ polymerization of polyester-based monomers and organic solvent, revealing the strong correlation between cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) on cathode and solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on Li metal anode. The sandwich-like composite electrolyte prepared with garnet Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) active fillers and polymer electrolyte composed of (poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (PEGDME), trimethylolpropane trimethyllacrylate (TMPTMA), 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA)(named as P(PF)1TH) exhibits excellent flexibility, wide electrochemical window, and good thermal stability. Moreover, P(PF)1TH-10%LLZTO electrolyte has satisfactory ionic conductivity (1.42 × 10−3) at 50 °C and high Li+ transference number (0.547) at 25 °C, and symmetrical Li|P(PF)1TH-10%LLZTO|Li cells can run stably for more than 1000 h at 0.1 mA cm−2 at 50 °C. The assembled LiFePO4(LEP)|P(PF)1TH-10%LLZTO |Li cell shows high discharge capacity of 139.9/122.8 mAh g−1 with capacity retain of 90.64%/97.96% after 200 cycles at 1C/2C. This work introduces a dual functional interface layer between electrolyte and electrode through in-situ polymerization, which brings a new idea for electrode interface compatibility.

Recent advances of optically active helical polymers as adsorbents and chiral stationary phases for chiral resolution.

Chiral resolution is very important and still a big challenge due to different biological activity and same physicochemical property of one pair (R)- and (S)-isomer. There is no doubt that chiral selectors are essentially needed for chiral resolution, which can stereoselectively interact with a pair of isomers. To date, a large amount of optically active helical polymers as chiral selectors have been synthesized via two strategies. First, the target helical polymers are derived from natural polysaccharide such as cellulose and amylose. Second, they can be synthesized by polymerization of chiral monomers. Alternatively, an achiral polymer is prepared first followed by static or dynamic chiral induction. Furthermore, a part of them is harnessed as chiral stationary phases for chromatographic chiral separation and as chiral adsorbents for enantioselective adsorption/crystallization, resulting in good enantioseparation efficiency. In summary, the present review will focus on recent progress of the polymers with optical activity for chiral resolution, especially the literature published in the past 10 years. In addition, development prospects and future challenges of optically active helical polymers will be discussed in detail.

Synthesis and Biodegradation of Optically Active Polymers Based on (R)‐3‐Hydroxybutyric Acid

AbstractPlastics contribute to several industrial activities, but they also cause environmental pollution. Additionally, they rely on an ever‐decreasing supply of natural, but non‐renewable, resources. Such plastics should be replaced by materials that are biodegradable and made from renewable resources such as polymers. They are synthesized from plant‐derived (R)‐3‐hydroxybutyric acid and l‐lactic acid meet these requirements. Most of the synthesized poly((R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐l‐lactate) with various monomer composition ratios were degraded by enzymes (PHB depolymerase or Proteinase K). Evaluation of biodegradability in activated sludge showed that copolymers with 80% or less of l‐lactic acid units were degraded.

A New Strong-Acid Free Route to Produce Xanthan Gum-PANI Composite Scaffold Supporting Bioelectricity.

Conductive hybrid xanthan gum (XG)-polyaniline (PANI) biocomposites forming 3D structures able to mimic electrical biological functions are synthesized by a strong-acid free medium. In situ aniline oxidative chemical polymerizations are performed in XG water dispersions to produce stable XG-PANI pseudoplastic fluids. XG-PANI composites with 3D architectures are obtained by subsequent freeze-drying processes. The morphological investigation highlights the formation of porous structures; UV-vis and Raman spectroscopy characterizations assess the chemical structure of the produced composites. I-V measurements evidence electrical conductivity of the samples, while electrochemical analyses point out their capability to respond to electric stimuli with electron and ion exchanges in physiological-like environment. Trial tests on prostate cancer cells evaluate biocompatibility of the XG-PANI composite. Obtained results demonstrate that a strong acid-free route produces an electrically conductive and electrochemically active XG-PANI polymer composite. The investigation of charge transport and transfer, as well as of biocompatibility properties of composite materials produced in aqueous environments, brings new perspective for exploitation of such materials in biomedical applications. In particular, the developed strategy can be used to realize biomaterials working as scaffolds that require electrical stimulations for inducing cell growth and communication or for biosignals monitoring and analysis.

Molecular system for an exponentially fast growing programmable synthetic polymer

In this paper, we demonstrate a molecular system for the first active self-assembly linear DNA polymer that exhibits programmable molecular exponential growth in real time, also the first to implement “internal” parallel insertion that does not rely on adding successive layers to “external” edges for growth. Approaches like this can produce enhanced exponential growth behavior that is less limited by volume and external surface interference, for an early step toward efficiently building two and three dimensional shapes in logarithmic time. We experimentally demonstrate the division of these polymers via the addition of a single DNA complex that competes with the insertion mechanism and results in the exponential growth of a population of polymers per unit time. In the supplementary material, we note that an “extension” beyond conventional Turing machine theory is needed to theoretically analyze exponential growth itself in programmable physical systems. Sequential physical Turing Machines that run a roughly constant number of Turing steps per unit time cannot achieve an exponential growth of structure per time. In contrast, the “active” self-assembly model in this paper, computationally equivalent to a Push-Down Automaton, is exponentially fast when implemented in molecules, but is taxonomically less powerful than a Turing machine. In this sense, a physical Push-Down Automaton can be more powerful than a sequential physical Turing Machine, even though the Turing Machine can compute any computable function. A need for an “extended” computational/physical theory arises, described in the supplementary material section S1.

Local Polar and Long-Range Isotropic Activity Assisted Swelling and Collapse Dynamics of an Active Ring Polymer

Local Polar and Long-Range Isotropic Activity Assisted Swelling and Collapse Dynamics of an Active Ring Polymer

Electropolymerization of D-A type monomers consisting of mono-triphenylamine moiety for electrochromic devices and supercapacitors

Redox active conjugated polymers have been received great research interest due to their potential applications in electrochromic devices and supercapacitors. In this work, three donor-acceptor (D-A) monomers (TPA-BY, TPAP-BY, TPAT-BY) consisting of single triphenylamine unit were synthesized and further deposited on ITO glass via electrochemical polymerization for electrochromic devices and supercapacitors. The obtained polymer films (PTPA-BY, PTPAP-BY, PTPAT-BY) exhibited reversible redox behavior and obvious color change upon voltage variation, especially the optical contrast of PTAP-BY reaching up to 81% at 720 nm. Moreover, the present novel conjugated polymers showed supercapacitor performance with areal specific capacitance among 2.2 ∼ 3.9 mF·cm−2 at a current density of 0.06 mA·cm−2, guaranteeing their potential application in energy saving smart windows.

Effect of Core Yarn on Linear Actuation of Electroactive Polymer Coated Yarn Actuators

AbstractSmart textiles combine the features of conventional textiles with promising properties of smart materials such as electromechanically active polymers, resulting in textile actuators. Textile actuators comprise of individual yarn actuators, so understanding their electro‐chemo‐mechanical behavior is of great importance. Herein, this study investigates the effect of inherent structural and mechanical properties of commercial yarns, that form the core of the yarn actuators, on the linear actuation of the conducting‐polymer‐based yarn actuators. Commercial yarns were coated with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) to make them conductive. Then polypyrrole (PPy) that provides the electromechanical actuation is electropolymerized on the yarn surface under controlled conditions. The linear actuation of the yarn actuators is investigated in aqueous electrolyte under isotonic and isometric conditions. The yarn actuators generated an isotonic strain up to 0.99% and isometric force of 95 mN. The isometric strain achieved in this work is more than tenfold and threefold greater than the previously reported yarn actuators. The isometric actuation force shows an increase of nearly 11‐fold over our previous results. Finally, a qualitative mechanical model is introduced to describe the actuation behavior of yarn actuators. The strain and force created by the yarn actuators make them promising candidates for wearable actuator technologies.

UV polymerization fabrication method for polymer composite based optical fiber sensors

Optical fiber (OF) sensors are critical optical devices with excellent sensing capabilities and the capacity to operate in remote and hostile environments. However, integrating functional materials and micro/nanostructures into the optical fiber systems for specific sensing applications has limitations of compatibility, readiness, poor control, robustness, and cost-effectiveness. Herein, we have demonstrated the fabrication and integration of stimuli-responsive optical fiber probe sensors using a novel, low-cost, and facile 3D printing process. Thermal stimulus–response of thermochromic pigment micro-powders was integrated with optical fibers by incorporating them into ultraviolet-sensitive transparent polymer resins and then printed via a single droplet 3D printing process. Hence, the thermally active polymer composite fibers were grown (additively manufactured) on top of the commercial optical fiber tips. Then, the thermal response was studied within the temperature range of (25–35 °C) and (25–31 °C) for unicolor and dual color pigment powders-based fiber-tip sensors, respectively. The unicolor (with color to colorless transition) and dual color (with color to color transition) powders-based sensors exhibited substantial variations in transmission and reflection spectra by reversibly increasing and decreasing temperatures. The sensitivities were calculated from the transmission spectra where average change in transmission spectra was recorded as 3.5% with every 1 °C for blue, 3% for red and 1% for orange-yellow thermochromic powders based optical fiber tip sensors. Our fabricated sensors are cost-effective, reusable, and flexible in terms of materials and process parameters. Thus, the fabrication process can potentially develop transparent and tunable thermochromic sensors for remote sensing with a much simpler manufacturing process compared to conventional and other 3D printing processes for optical fiber sensors. Moreover, this process can integrate micro/nanostructures as patterns on the optical fiber tips to increase sensitivity. The developed sensors may be employed as remote temperature sensors in biomedical and healthcare applications.

Collecting-Gathering Biophysics of the Blackworm Lumbriculus variegatus.

Many organisms exhibit collecting and gathering behaviors as a foraging and survival method. Benthic macroinvertebrates are classified as collector-gatherers due to their collection of particulate matter. Among these, the aquatic oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus (California blackworms) demonstrates the ability to ingest both organic and inorganic materials, including microplastics. However, earlier studies have only qualitatively described their collecting behaviors for such materials. The mechanism by which blackworms consolidate discrete particles into a larger clump remains unexplored quantitatively. In this study, we analyze a group of blackworms in a large arena with an aqueous algae solution (organic particles) and find that their relative collecting efficiency is proportional to population size. We found that doubling the population size (N = 25-N = 50) results in a decrease in time to reach consolidation by more than half. Microscopic examination of individual blackworms reveals that both algae and microplastics physically adhere to the worm's body and form clumps due to external mucus secretions by the worms. Our observations also indicate that this clumping behavior reduces the worm's exploration of its environment, possibly due to thigmotaxis. To validate these observed biophysical mechanisms, we create an active polymer model of a worm moving in a field of particulate debris. We simulate its adhesive nature by implementing a short-range attraction between the worm and the nearest surrounding particles. Our findings indicate an increase in gathering efficiency when we add an attractive force between particles, simulating the worm's mucosal secretions. Our work provides a detailed understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying the collecting-gathering behavior in L. variegatus, informing the design of bioinspired synthetic collector systems, and advances our understanding of the ecological impacts of microplastics on benthic invertebrates.

Oil displacement performance and mechanism of Interfacially Active polymer (IAP)-Emulsifying viscosity Reducer (EVR) supramolecular compound system in heterogenous heavy oil reservoirs

Chemical Cold Heavy Oil Production (CCHOP) represents an effective approach to exploit heavy oil by injecting Oil Viscosity Reducer (OVR). However, the challenge lies in the crossflow of traditional OVR through high permeability channels in heterogeneous heavy oil reservoirs. a supramolecular compound system comprising Interfacially Active Polymer (IAP) and Emulsifying Viscosity Reducer (EVR) were proposed as a novel CHHOP agent to address this problem. A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the heavy oil displacement performance and mechanism of the IAP-EVR compound system, including assessments of heavy oil emulsification, emulsion stability, rheological properties, single-core oil displacement, and heterogeneous microscopic oil displacement. The results demonstrate that a stable O/W emulsion can be formed with the 0.1 wt% IAP-0.3 wt% EVR compound system under a low mixing rate of 200 rpm. The emulsion exhibits only an 8.0% dewatering rate and a low TSI value of 0.8. Moreover, the compound system effectively reduces the heavy oil viscosity from 1000 mPa·s to 325.7 mPa·s, facilitating the emulsification of the remaining oil after water flooding and enhancing its flowability, thus improving oil displacement efficiency. Additionally, the 0.1 wt% IAP-0.3 wt% EVR compound system increases the solution viscosity to 600 mPa·s, leading to a low W/O mobility ratio, which enhances the swept volume. Supramolecular association is identified as a crucial mechanism for stabilizing the emulsion and increasing the solution viscosity, as evidenced by a high elastic modulus of 144.7 mPa and a transition area observed in the viscosity-shear rate curve. In comparison to HPAM and IAP, the 0.1 wt% IAP-0.3 wt% EVR compound system yields higher oil recoveries of 21.84 %OOIP in the single core experiment. Moreover, noticeable emulsification is observed in the produced fluid, and oil recoveries of 89.85 %OOIP and 92.98 %OOIP are achieved in high and low permeable areas, respectively, in the heterogeneous microscopic model. These results indicate a mechanism that enhances both the swept volume and oil displacement efficiency. Overall, the findings of this study provide a laboratory foundation for the promising application of the IAP-EVR compound system in heterogeneous heavy oil reservoirs.

Formulation and Characterization of Solid Tablets Using Solid Dispersion Matrix Technology: A Systematic Literature Review

The formulation of solid tablet preparations using solid dispersion matrix technology involves the selection of active ingredients, polymer matrices, fillers or enhancers, and lubricants. The active ingredient is the drug component that provides a therapeutic effect to the patient. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review study to explore the formulation and characterization of solid tablet dosage forms using solid dispersion matrix technology. The literature search process was carried out on various databases (PubMed, Web of Sciences, EMBASE, Cochrane Libraries, and Google Scholar) regarding the formulation and characterization of solid tablet preparations using solid dispersion matrix technology. This study follows the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) recommendations. Solid dispersion matrix technology is one of the approaches used in the formulation of pharmaceutical preparations, especially solid tablets, to achieve controlled and effective drug release. In this technology, the drug is dispersed homogeneously in a solid polymeric matrix, which acts as a binding agent. The basic principle of solid dispersion matrix technology is that the drug is delivered via gradual release from the polymer matrix.

Translocation of an active polymer into a two dimensional circular nano-container

Translocation dynamics of an active semi-flexible polymer through a nano-pore into a rigid two dimensional circular nano-container has been studied by using Langevin dynamics simulations. The results show that the force exponent β, for regime of small nano-container radius, i.e. , where R g is the gyration radius of the passive semi-flexible polymer in two dimensional free space, is , while for large values of the asymptotic value of the force exponent is . The force exponent is defined by the scaling form of the average translocation time , where F sp is the self-propelling force. Moreover, using the definition of the turning number (number of net turns of the polymer configuration) for the polymer inside the cavity, it has been found that at the end of translocation process for small value of R and in the strong force limit the polymer configuration is more regular than the case in which the value of R is large or the force is weak.

Stimuli-responsive shell theory

Soft matter mechanics generally involve finite deformations and instabilities of structures in response to a wide range of mechanical and non-mechanical stimuli. Modeling plates and shells is generally a challenge due to their geometrically nonlinear response to loads; however, non-mechanical loads further complicate matters as it is often not clear how they modify the shell’s energy functional. In this work, we demonstrate how to form a mechanical interpretation of these non-mechanical stimuli, in which the standard shell strain energy can be augmented with potentials corresponding to how a non-mechanical stimulus acts to change the shell’s area and curvature via the natural stretch and curvature. As a result, the effect of non-mechanical stimuli to deform shells is transformed into effective external loadings, and this framework allows for the application of analytical and computational tools that are standard within the mechanics community. Furthermore, we generalize the effect of mass change during biological growth to account for its effect on the stress constitution. The theory is formulated based on a standard, stress-free reference configuration which is known a priori, meaning it can be physically observed, and only requires the solution of a single-field equation, the standard mechanical momentum or equilibrium equation, despite capturing the effects of non-mechanical stimuli. We validate the performance of this model by several benchmark problems, and finally, we apply it to complex examples, including the snapping of the Venus flytrap, leaf growth, and the buckling of electrically active polymer plates. Overall, we expect that mechanicians and non-mechanicians alike can use the approach presented here to quickly modify existing computational tools with effective external loadings calculated in this novel theory to study how various types of non-mechanical stimuli impact the mechanics and physics of thin shell structures.

Reusable Structural Colored Nanostructure for Powerless Temperature and Humidity Sensing

AbstractNanostructured materials have enabled new ways of controlling the light–matter interaction, opening new routes for exciting applications, in display technologies and colorimetric sensing, among others. In particular, metallic nanoparticles permit the production of color structures out of colorless materials. These plasmonic structural colors are sensitive to the environment and thus offer an interesting platform for sensing. Here, a self‐assembly of aluminum nanoparticles in close proximity of a mirror is spaced by an ultrathin poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) layer. Hybridizing the plasmonic system with the active polymer layer, a thermoresponsive gap‐plasmon architecture is formed that transduces changes in the temperature and relative humidity of the environment into color changes. By harnessing the environmentally induced structural changes of PNIPAM, it was estimated from the finite difference time domain simulation that the resonance can be tuned 7 nm per every 1 nm change in thickness, resulting in color variation. Importantly, these fully reversible changes can be used for reusable powerless humidity and temperature colorimetric sensing. Crucially if condensation on the structure happens, the polymer layer is deformed beyond recovery and the colors are washed away. We leverage this effect to produce tamper‐proof dew labels that a straightforward smartphone app can read by taking a picture.

Sustained-release of nutrients by yeast extract-loaded halloysite nanotubes supports bacterial growth

Halloysite nanotubes (Hal) have been researched as carriers of various active compounds and polymer additives. Hal reinforced the polymers, while a designated trigger mechanism initiates the release of active compounds. Encapsulation of microbiological agents has been attempted to develop biological self-healing concrete, soil treatment, and environmental remediation, among others. Considering the lack of attention devoted to studying the encapsulation of the nutrients required for biological action and their release, this report presents the preparation and characterization of Hal loaded with the common microbiological nutrient yeast extract (YE) as a multifunctional nanocomposite carrier of microbiological nutrients. YE was loaded on the outer surface and inside the lumen of the Hal by using vacuum entrapment to prepare the YE-loaded Hal (HY) nanocomposites. Thermogravimetric analysis and UV–visible absorbance were used to quantify the loading and the release of YE from HY nanocomposites, showing increasing YE loading after the vacuum treatment and with higher Hal: YE ratios. Vacuumed 1:3 HY samples presented the best sustained-release profile. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FE-SEM-EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD) showed blocked lumens, and successful lumen loading of YE particles after the vacuum treatment and Hal-YE attachment by weak electrostatic bonding. Inter-particle YE-YE interactions were also evident. The YE loading procedure did not impact the interlayer space of Hal and lowered the crystallinity of the nanotubes. The HY nanocomposite effectively supported spore germination and bacterial growth, resulting in higher bacterial concentrations than conventional media after the expected bacterial death phase. The composition of the HY nanocomposite is easily adjustable, and the unloaded YE can be reused.

Studies on Antifungal Properties of Methacrylamido Propyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride Polycations and Their Toxicity In Vitro.

The biological activity of polycations is usually associated with their biocidal properties. Their antibacterial features are well known, but in this work, observations on the antifungal properties of macromolecules obtained by methacrylamido propyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (MAPTAC) polymerization are presented. The results, not previously reported, make it possible to correlate antifungal properties directly with the structure of the macromolecule, in particular the molecular mass. The polymers described here have antifungal activity against some filamentous fungi. The strongest effect occurs for polymers with a mass of about 0.5 mDa which have confirmed activity against the multidrug-resistant species Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium solani, as well as the dermatophytes Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale, and Trichophyton tonsurans. In addition, this publication describes the effects of these macromolecular systems on serum and blood components and provides a preliminary assessment of toxicity on cell lines of skin-forming cells, i.e., fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Additionally, using a Franz diffusion chamber, a negligibly low transport of the active polymer through the skin was demonstrated, which is a desirable effect for externally applied antifungal drugs. IMPORTANCE Infectious diseases are a very big medical, social, and economic problem. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, certain infections were among of the most common causes of death. The difficulties in the treatment of infectious diseases concern in particular fungal diseases, against which we have only a few classes of drugs represented by a few substances. The publication presents the preliminary results of the in vitro antifungal activity studies of four MAPTAC polymers on different fungal species and their cytotoxicity to human cells (fibroblasts and keratinocytes). The paper also compares these properties with analogous ones of two commonly used antifungal drugs, ciclopirox and terbinafine.