Antimicrobial Hyperbranched Polymer–Usnic Acid Complexes through a Combined ROP‐RAFT Strategy

• DOI: 10.1002/marc.202000190
• Publication Date: 2020-05-13T12:36:36Z
• Authors: Moritz Rauschenbach; Stefan B. Lawrenson; Vincenzo Taresco; Amanda K. Pearce; Rachel K. O'Reilly
• Keywords: Raft; Chain transfer; Moiety

Abstract Polymer–drug conjugates have received considerable attention over the last decades due to their potential for improving clinical outcomes a range of diseases. It is importance develop methods preparation that simple synthesis and purification requirements but maintain high therapeutic efficacy utilize macromolecules can be cleared via natural excretory pathways upon breakdown. Herein, combination ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) reversible addition−fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) described straightforward amphiphilic, stimuli‐responsive, biodegradable, highly functionalizable hyperbranched polymers. These unimolecular nanoparticles demonstrate versatile platform polymer–drug owing inclusion Boc‐protected polycarbonate moiety in either block or random copolymer formation. A proof‐of‐concept study on complexation poorly water‐soluble antimicrobial drug usnic acid results polymer‐drug complexes with powerful properties against gram‐positive bacteria. Therefore, this work highlights amphiphilic biodegradable polymers applications.