An ionic liquid based on the monomeric choline, specifically [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]-trimethylammonium chloride (TMAMA), underwent biofunctionalization through an ion exchange reaction with the model drug anion: p-aminosalicylate (PAS), a primary antibiotic for tuberculosis treatment. This modified biocompatible IL monomer (TMAMA/PAS) was subsequently copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) to directly synthesize the well-defined graft conjugates with regulated content of ionic fraction with PAS anions (up to 49%), acting as drug delivery systems. The length of the polymeric side chains was assessed by the monomer conversions, yielding a degree of polymerization ranging from 12 to 89. The density of side chains was controlled by "grafting from" using the multifunctional macroinitiators. In vitro drug release, triggered by the ion exchange between the pharmaceutical and phosphate anions in a PBS medium, occurred in the range of 71-100% (2.8-9.8 μg/mL). Owing to significant drug content and consistent release profiles, these particular graft copolymers, derived from biomodified IL monomers with ionically attached pharmaceutical PAS in the side chains, are recognized as potentially effective drug delivery vehicles.
Keywords: biofunctionalized monomeric ionic liquid; choline methacrylate; drug delivery system; ionic conjugate; ionic graft copolymers; p-aminosalicylate.