pH-Triggered release of an antifungal agent from polyglycidol-based nanoparticles against fuel fungus H. resinae.

The goal of this investigation was the development of smart plurifunctional polymeric particles able to deliver a biocide following an acidic trigger due to the presence of microorganisms. Such particles were synthesized by Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization of an α-norbornenyl polyglycidol macromonomer functionalized with biocide through a pH-sensitive imine bond. H. resinae was selected as a target strain. In the first part, the pH sensitivity of the functionalized particles was studied. Then, the antifungal activity of both the biocide-functionalized macromonomer and the functionalized particles was evaluated. Incorporation of the particles in a commercial model coating was also tested, to verify that its original barrier properties were maintained. Crown