Radiation-induced graft polymerization of acrylic acid onto poly(tetrafluoroethylene-perfluorovinyl ether) copolymer films: complexation with some transition metals and biological activity

The radiation-induced grafting of acrylic acid onto poly(tetrafluoroethylene-perfluorovinyl ether) copolymer film was carried out to synthesize graft copolymer membranes of complexing ability with some selected transition metal ions such as CrIII, MnII, CuII, AgI and CdII. The complex formation of these graft copolymer–metal complexes was studied by atomic absorption spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, IR, UV and electron spin resonance spectrometry. The overall results suggest octahedral geometry for both CrIII and MnII but square planar for CuII. The results revealed the high stability of the obtained ligand–metal complexes. The biological activity of the grafted film and its complexes with various metal ions was investigated under the same conditions. Silver (I) complexed membrane had a strong biocidal effect for all tested bacteria. The biological activity for CrIII complex has been effected on E. coli and S. aureus, whereas the CdII complex has its effect on E. coli, B. anthrax and B. cereus. The CuII complex has only antifungal activity. No biological effect has appeared for both the grafted film or MnII complexed one on either bacteria or fungi.