Antimicrobial Dye-Conjugated Polyglobalide-Based Organogels

Abstract

The straightforward coloration of polyglobalide by the covalent grafting of thiol-modified disperse dyes to afford a colored polyester is reported. The colored polymer could form physical organogels, and upon covalently cross-linking chemical organogels in a range of food-grade oils, and the fragrant and antimicrobial molecule 2-phenylethanol. Antimicrobial testing of the 2-phenylethanol-swollen chemical organogels revealed considerable antimicrobial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The materials reported offer a range of potential applications, particularly as simple and cost-effective antimicrobial gels.