Abstract
Poly(Thioether-Ester) nanoparticles synthetized via thiol-ene polymerization from a renewable castor oil monomer are produced by miniemulsion polymerization and emulsification/evaporation of pre-formed polymer. Its antioxidant activity, probably due to the oxidation of sulfide groups, is confirmed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging and β-carotene/linoleic acid assays, with an amount of polymer required to reduce the initial concentration of DPPH· radicals by 50% of ~195 µg.ml-1 promoting hydrogen or electron exchange and the capability to prevent lipid peroxidation of ~55%. The results show a promising application in food packing.
Keywords:
Polymer nanoparticles; antioxidant activity; thiol-ene polymerization; poly (thioether-ester)
