Synthesis of methacrylic-ferulic acid copolymer with antioxidant properties by single-step free radical polymerization

A novel, simple, and cheap method to synthesize antioxidant methacrylic-ferulic acid copolymer (PMAA-FA) by free radical polymerization was developed by employing a hydrogen peroxide-ascorbic acid pair to produce hydroxyl radicals acting as radical initiators. FT-IR spectra were performed to verify the insertion of ferulic acid into the polymeric chain, and the antioxidant activity of PMAA-FA was compared to that of a control polymer synthesized in the absence of antioxidant molecule. Good antioxidant activity was demonstrated by obtained materials, showing the efficiency of the polymerization method. This material could be useful in the pharmaceutical field and in the food industry (food packaging).