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Abstract
Copper and zinc containing soybean oil based polymer was prepared by condensation polymerisation of oil based fatty amide polyole and sebacic acid in a process initiated by sodium ethoxide through microwave assisted synthesis. Fourier transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance have been used to study the structure of the polymers. Atomic absorption spectroscopy has been used for confirming the presence of metal in the bimetallic polymer. The thermal behaviour of the polymer was analysed by a thermogravimetry/differential thermal analyser. Inherent viscosity, iodine value, saponification values, specific gravity and refractive index of polymers were determined through standard laboratory methods. To explore the antifungal activity in vitro, a series of synthesised polymers were studied for their antifungal activity against different Candida isolates. The growth and sensitivity of the organisms were affected by the synthesised polymers at significantly reduced concentrations. Insight studies to the mechanism suggested that the synthesised polymers and fluconazole exert antifungal activity by targeting ergosterol biosynthesis. Furthermore, it was observed that metal incorporation increased the anticandidal activity of the synthesised polymers. The observed selective fungicidal characteristics of these synthesised polymers indicate that these compounds might be promising antifungal agents, defining a new class of antimycotics. The bimetallic polymer was found to be thermally stable and biologically active. It can be used as a biomedical material.
The authors are thankful to the University Grant Commission, India, for providing financial assistance. The authors are also thankful to S. Muralidhar, Sexually Transmitted Lab, Safdurjung Hospital, New Delhi, India, for providing standard Candida species.