This research sought to synthesize a new set of heteroaromatic thiazole-based polyurea derivatives with sulfur links in the polymers' main chains, which were denoted by the acronyms PU1-5. Using pyridine as a solvent, a diphenylsulfide-based aminothiazole monomer (M2) was polymerized via solution polycondensation with varied aromatic, aliphatic, and cyclic diisocyanates. Typical characterization methods were used to confirm the structures of the premonomer, monomer, and fully generated polymers. The XRD results revealed that aromatic-based polymers had higher crystallinity than aliphatic and cyclic derivatives. SEM was used to visualize the surfaces of PU1, PU4, and PU5, revealing spongy and porous shapes, shapes resembling wooden planks and sticks, and shapes resembling coral reefs with floral shapes at various magnifications. The polymers demonstrated thermal stability. The numerical results for PDTmax are listed in the following order, ranked from lowest to highest: PU1 < PU2 < PU3 < PU5 < PU4. The FDT values for the aliphatic-based derivatives (PU4 and PU5) were lower than those for the aromatic-based ones (616, 655, and 665 °C). PU3 showed the greatest inhibitory impact against the bacteria and fungi under investigation. In addition, PU4 and PU5 demonstrated antifungal activities that, in contrast with the other products, were on the lower end of the spectrum. Furthermore, the intended polymers were also tested for the presence of the proteins 1KNZ, 1JIJ, and 1IYL, which are frequently utilized as model organisms for E. coli (Gram-negative bacteria), S. aureus (Gram-positive bacteria), and C. albicans (fungal pathogens). This study's findings are consistent with the outcomes of the subjective screening.
Keywords: biologically active; heteroaromatic thiazole moiety; sulfur-containing polyurea; thermal properties.