Embedded silver ions-containing liposomes in polyelectrolyte multilayers: cargos films for antibacterial agents

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Developing effective antibacterial coatings is crucial for preventing infections.
• Existing methods for incorporating antimicrobial agents like silver nitrate into coatings have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and characterize a novel antibacterial coating incorporating silver nitrate (AgNO3) using a layer-by-layer assembly approach.
• To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of the developed coating against Escherichia coli.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of poly(L-lysine)/hyaluronic acid (PLL/HA) multilayer films.
• Aggregation of liposomes loaded with AgNO3 using PLL.
• Deposition of liposome aggregates and capping layers to form a composite coating.
• Assessment of AgNO3 release triggered by temperature and antibacterial activity against E. coli.

Main Results:

• A composite AgNO3 coating was successfully prepared using liposome aggregates on PLL/HA films.
• The coating demonstrated temperature-triggered release of AgNO3 at 34°C.
• A significant 4-log reduction in viable E. coli was achieved with the AgNO3 coating.

Conclusions:

• The developed AgNO3 coating exhibits potent antibacterial activity against E. coli.
• This method provides a controlled and efficient way to load high concentrations of AgNO3 onto surfaces.
• The approach is versatile and can potentially be used for other bactericidal agents.