Polymer self-healing films containing fragments of pillar[5]arene were obtained for the first time using thiol/disulfide redox cross-linking. These films were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, FTIR spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The films demonstrated the ability to self-heal through the action of atmospheric oxygen. Using UV-vis, 2D 1H-1H NOESY, and DOSY NMR spectroscopy, the pillar[5]arene was shown to form complexes with the antimicrobial drug moxifloxacin in a 2:1 composition (logK11 = 2.14 and logK12 = 6.20). Films containing moxifloxacin effectively reduced Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilms formation on adhesive surfaces.
Keywords: antibacterial activity; electron spin resonance; moxifloxacin hydrochloride; pillar[5]arene; polymer films; polythiols; self-healing.