Molecular weight dependent antistaphylococcal activities of oligomers/polymers synthesized from 3-aminopyridine

The main aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between molecular weight and the antistaphylococcal activity of oligomers/polymers synthesized from 3-aminopyridine. Different oligomers/polymers were synthesized from 3-aminopyridine by changing the oxidative polycondensation reaction conditions. They were characterized by size exclusion chromatography and their antibacterial activities were compared by employing standardized susceptibility assays. The obtained experimental results demonstrated that 3-aminopyridine had no antistaphylococcal activity. However, as a result of polymerization, strong antistaphylococcal activity was obtained. Oligomers/polymers synthesized from 3-aminopyridine had varying degrees of antistaphylococcal activity and the maximum activity was obtained from relatively very short oligomers. It was therefore concluded that polymerization of 3-aminopyridine is required for antistaphylococcal activity and strength of this activity depends on the molecular weights of the synthesized molecules.