Silver-coordination polymer network combining antibacterial action and shape memory capabilities

In this study, a multifunctional polymer network is achieved by first synthesizing an isonicotinate-functionalized polyester (PIE) via classical melt-condensation polymerization, and secondly, the pendant of the pyrazinamide groups on the polyester side chains is coordinated with Ag ions to form a physically cross-linked network. Thermo property analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis reveal that the Ag-coordination polymer network possesses an excellent thermo-induced shape memory function, both under air and physiological conditions, due to a wide glass transition temperature region. The Ag ion concentration coordinated with the polymer was optimized to achieve the best shape memory effect using atomic absorption spectrometry. Moreover, the coordinated polyester can act as a reservoir of bactericidal Ag ions, in which the Ag ions are released and measured with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and in turn the antibacterial function is realized. Finally, the result of an Alamar blue assay reveals that the Ag-coordinated polyester has good cytocompatibility despite the introduction of a certain amount of Ag ions. Therefore, the multifunctional polymer has great potential applications in the biomedical field, e.g., burn wound dressings.