Investigation of antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities in novel poly( <scp>DEAEMA</scp> ‐co‐ <scp>EMA</scp> )/polyindole composites

Abstract In the current study, in the first stage, amphiphilic poly(2‐diethylamino ethylmethacrylate‐co‐ethyl methacrylate) [Poly(DEAEMA‐co‐EMA)] was synthesized from the 2‐diethylamino ethylmethacrylate (DEAEMA) and the ethyl methacrylate (EMA) using the free radical polymerization method. In the second stage, five series of composites were prepared at different concentrations using the indole conductive monomer in the presence of iron(III) chloride (FeCl 3 ) using the in situ oxidative polymerization technique in poly(DEAEMA‐co‐EMA) copolymer. Scanning electron microscope and Atomic force microscope images proved the homogeneous structure of the composites, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of the composite has shown that it has been produced successfully. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared poly(DEAEMA‐co‐EMA)/PIN composites was evaluated. Moreover, antioxidant studies of the composites were carried out. The results showed that the enhanced bioactivity of poly(DEAEMA‐co‐EMA)/PIN(90%) composite. In this study, all poly(DEAEMA‐co‐EMA)/PIN composites and polymers showed antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans . PCs had more antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus than PIN, Poly(DEAEMA), and poly(DEAEMA‐co‐EMA). The antimicrobial activity of PCs was enhanced by increasing the permeability of the cell membrane with DEAEMA. It was determined that the antibacterial activity increased in direct proportion to the indole concentration. OSI values of PIN, Poly(DEAEMA), and poly(DEAEMA‐co‐EMA), and PCs ranged between 1.3513 and 0.1183. Highlights Conductive Polymer Composites are a special commercial polymer composite class due to their biological properties. Discusses morphological properties of poly(DEAEMA‐co‐EMA)/PIN composites. Summarizes antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of poly(DEAEMA‐co‐EMA)/PIN composites. Demonstrate the high antimicrobial activity of Poly(DEAEMA‐co‐EMA)/PIN composites against S. mutans . Determine that Poly(DEAEMA‐co‐EMA)/PIN composites have antioxidant capacity.