Natural rubber based films integrating Zosteric acid analogues as bioactive monomers

This article describes the synthesis and the evaluation of the biological activity of antibacterial bio-based elastomeric materials. The synthesis strategy relies on the photo-copolymerization of macromonomers containing an isoprenic repeating unit (obtained from Natural Rubber) and original monomers designed from Zosteric Acid scaffold (known for its antifouling activity) and covalently bound to the polymer network. The materials were obtained as cross-linked thick films and were characterized by InfraRed Spectroscopy, contact angle, and thermal analyses. No significant release of any bioactive substance was observed after immersions in water, confirming the non-leaching property. Biological assays were carried out with five strains of pathogenic bacteria and three strains of marine bacteria and the results highlighted the antibacterial and fouling release properties of these novel promising materials. [Display omitted] •New monomers derived from Zosteric Acid scaffold and having antibacterial / fouling release properties were synthesized.•Natural Rubber based cross-linked elastomeric films were prepared with biological activity.•Coatings were active against strains of pathogenic/marine bacteria.•Antibacterial activity was obtained without leaching of organic or inorganic compounds.