Synthesis, Characterization and Behavior of Cationic Dendrimer-PDMS Hybrids

Dendrimers, synthesized through iterative reaction steps using multifunctional monomers, have well defined core structures leading to unique architecturally driven properties, a phenomenon known as the “dendritic effect”. Many of these properties originate from the amplification of terminal ends with increasing dendrimer generation. When terminal ends are functionalized with “active” groups that provide a desired physio-chemical behavior, the dendritic effect is observed and multivalency can enhance functional group behavior. Such is the case with cationic ammonium groups in biological systems. Dendritic scaffolds containing cationic ammonium groups at the terminal ends demonstrate generationally dependent behavior for drug delivery and antimicrobial applications. Here, we report on the synthesis and generationally dependent antimicrobial activity of novel bis-MPA type polyester dendrons containing quaternary ammonium cation (QAC) functionality at the terminal ends. In addition, these QAC polyester dendrons have been used to synthesize dendrimer-linear ABA polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) hybrids. We report on the behavior of these novel hybrid copolymers and their potential use as surface active, semi-interpenetrating antimicrobial additives for silicone systems.