Polymeric drug based on acrylates for biological applications: synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial, and drug release study

Chalcone derivative and their polymers are synthesized, characterized, tested for their antimicrobial activity against four different micro-organisms. In vitro cumulative drug release studies are done using UV–visible spectroscopic technique. 2,4-Dichloro-1-ene(4-hydroxyphenyl)phenone (DHP) is synthesized using 4-hydroxy benzaldehyde and 2,4-dichloro acetophenone. 4-[3-(2,4-Dichloro-phenyl)3-oxoprop-1-en-1-yl]phenylacrylate (DCP) is prepared by reacting DHP with acryloyl chloride. Copolymer of DCP is prepared using acrylic acid and hydroxyl ethyl acrylate. The drugs are characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and UV–visible spectroscopic techniques. Molecular weight of the polymer is 4000 g/mol. First decomposition temperature of the polymers is around 320 °C. MIC value of the drug is very high for gram-negative bacteria (1.95 μg/mL). In vitro drug release rate is dependent on the comonomer, pH, and temperature.