Poly(N-acryloyl-4- and -5-aminosalicylic acids. II. Antibacterial properties and uses for the preparation of active, insoluble antibiotics.

The antibacterial properties of poly(N-acryloyl-4- and -5-aminosalicylic acids) and their borate complexes were evaluated. Poly(N-acryloyl-4- and 5-aminosalicylic acids) were used to render the antibiotics streptomycin and gentamicin insoluble. The antibacterial properties of the resultant water-insoluble streptomycin and gentamicin derivatives were evaluated, and the results show that the polymers are suited to the preparation of active insoluble antibiotics. Potential antimicrobial applications of the polymers are discussed.