Synthesis and Characterization of Ciprofloxacin Pendant Antibacterial Cationic Polymers.

A methacrylate monomer containing ciprofloxacin (CPF) was synthesized, followed by the free-radical co-polymerization of the methacrylate monomer, acrylamide and diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DADMAC). The resulting antimicrobial cationic tripolymers were characterized by (1)H-NMR, gel-permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The in vitro antibacterial activity of the monomer, as well as of the polymers, was investigated against E. coli. The CPF pendant tripolymer exhibited excellent antibacterial activities, thus permitting the cationic tripolymers to be used as antibacterial intensifier, retention or filtration aid for various hygiene products, including those based on cellulose fibres.