Poly[(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid)-co-(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)]: Synthesis, properties, chain microstructure and antiviral activity against RSV and HSV-1

Abstract

Poly[(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid)–co–(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)] were synthesized by free radical copolymerization in alcohols, and the influence of reaction conditions on their physico-chemical properties was estimated. Copolymers structure was characterized by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy, the composition was determined by elemental analysis on sulfur and potentiometric titration of sulfonic groups, molecular weight and hydrodynamic characteristics were evaluated by static and dynamic light scattering, as well as viscometry. Reactivity ratios of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid and 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate were assessed at copolymerization in ethanol and DMSO from terminal and penultimate models. Location of the «foreign» monomer as a penultimate unit significantly reduces the probability of block sequences formation and increases the proportion of chains cross-growth reactions, accordingly. Computation of copolymers chains microstructure showed an alternation higher degree of monomer units at synthesis in ethanol than DMSO. Results of copolymers cytotoxicity against Vero and HEp-2 cell cultures demonstrate their low toxicity. The copolymers showed a high level of antiviral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus and were low active against herpes simplex virus type 1.