Antimicrobial and biosensing ultrasound-responsive lysozyme-shelled microbubbles

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Lysozyme microbubbles (LSMBs) are explored as platforms for developing advanced biomedical devices.
• Immobilization of nanoparticles and enzymes on microbubbles can enhance their functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer air-filled lysozyme microbubbles (LSMBs) for antimicrobial and biosensing applications.
• To investigate the effect of gold nanoparticle immobilization on LSMB antimicrobial efficacy and echogenicity.
• To conjugate alkaline phosphatase onto LSMBs for biosensing capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of air-filled lysozyme microbubbles.
• Immobilization of gold nanoparticles onto the microbubble surface.
• Surface functionalization with alkaline phosphatase.
• Antimicrobial efficacy testing against M. lysodeikticus.
• Echogenicity assessment using an ultrasound imaging probe.
• Paraoxon detection assays in aqueous solutions.

Main Results:

• Gold nanoparticle immobilization significantly enhanced the antimicrobial efficacy of LSMBs against M. lysodeikticus.
• Surface functionalization with gold nanoparticles did not compromise the echogenicity of LSMBs.
• Alkaline phosphatase retained its enzymatic activity after conjugation to LSMBs.
• Functionalized LSMBs successfully detected paraoxon in aqueous solutions.

Conclusions:

• Engineered LSMBs serve as effective supports for gold nanoparticles and enzymes, enabling dual antimicrobial and biosensing functions.
• The developed microbubble system offers potential for novel micro-antimicrobial and biosensing devices.
• Functionalized LSMBs demonstrate promising characteristics for targeted therapeutic and diagnostic applications.