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Sugar-based poly (anhydride-ester) containing natural antioxidants and antimicrobials: Synthesis and formulation into polymer blends

Thymol, a naturally occurring antioxidant and antimicrobial, is commonly researched for active packaging applications to deter food spoilage and bacterial growth. However, the high temperature necessary for processing often volatilizes the thymol, reducing its utility. To overcome this processing limitation, sugar-based poly(anhydride-esters) comprising thymol and compounds generally regarded as safe (succinic and tartaric acid) were successful prepared via mild solution polymerization methods. In vitro release studies demonstrated a sustained thymol release over 3 weeks at therapeutically relevant concentrations. Furthermore, the released thymol displayed antioxidant and antimicrobial activities as indicated by a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion assays, respectively. High-temperature melt blending with low-density polyethylene revealed that the chemical incorporation of thymol into a polymer backbone overcame volatility issues and maintained relevant bioactivity.