Hydrophilic and salt responsive polymers promote depletion aggregation of bacteria.

• Biomimetic vitamin B5 analogous polymers by free radical polymerization. • Poly(B5AMA) of different sizes and shapes produced show salt responsive behavior. • Poly(B5AMA) Poly(B5AMA) promote bacterial aggregation by depletion aggregation mechanism. • Poly(B5AMA) are non-toxic to human cell lines. Stimuli responsive, smart materials are extensively used as drug delivery carriers, antifouling surfaces, and as sensing and actuation devices. Among these materials; hydrophilic, neutral and biocompatible polymers are especially interesting for their strong water absorption properties, which makes them useful for a variety of applications in biotechnology and biomedicines. One example of neutral, hydrophilic and stimuli responsive polymer is poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), which exhibits excellent antifouling and salt-responsive properties in solution. Herein, we present the synthesis and stimuli responsive properties of PEG-like hydrophilic polymers, and the study of their antibacterial and antifouling properties. The synthesis of novel hydrophilic vitamin B5 analogous polymers, namely poly(B5AMA), of different molecular weights and cross-linking densities is achieved by free radical polymerization method. The neutral polymers of different sizes and cross-linking densities prepared are then evaluated for their salt-responsive, antifouling and biocompatible properties in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]