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Updated: May 1, 2026
Magnetic and Thermal-sensitive PolyN-isopropylacrylamide-based Microgels for Magnetically Triggered Controlled Release
Published on: July 4, 2017
Usnic acid-loaded biocompatible magnetic PLGA-PVA microsphere thin films fabricated by MAPLE with increased
V Grumezescu1, A M Holban, A M Grumezescu
1Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Polizu Street no 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania. Lasers Department, Plasma and Radiation Physics, National Institute for Lasers, PO Box MG-36, Bucharest-Magurele, Romania.
Abstract:
Due to their persistence and resistance to the current therapeutic approaches, Staphylococcus aureus biofilm-associated infections represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the hospital environment. Since (+)-usnic acid (UA), a secondary lichen metabolite, possesses antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive cocci, including S. aureus, the aim of this study was to load magnetic polylactic-co-glycolic acid-polyvinyl alcohol (PLGA-PVA) microspheres with UA, then to obtain thin coatings using matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation and to quantitatively assess the capacity of the bio-nano-active modified surface to control biofilm formation by S. aureus, using a culture-based assay. The UA-loaded microspheres inhibited both the initial attachment of S. aureus to the coated surfaces, as well as the development of mature biofilms. In vitro bioevalution tests performed on the fabricated thin films revealed great biocompatibility, which may endorse them as competitive candidates for the development of improved non-toxic surfaces resistant to S. aureus colonization and as scaffolds for stem cell cultivation and tissue engineering.
Insights
This study developed a novel coating using (+)-usnic acid (UA)-loaded microspheres to combat Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. The bio-nano-active surface effectively inhibited bacterial attachment and biofilm development, offering a promising solution for preventing hospital-acquired infections.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus biofilm infections are persistent and resistant to current therapies, causing significant morbidity and mortality.
- Developing effective strategies to control S. aureus colonization is crucial for healthcare settings.
- (+)-usnic acid (UA) exhibits antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive bacteria, including S. aureus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a bio-nano-active surface using UA-loaded microspheres for controlling S. aureus biofilm formation.
- To evaluate the efficacy of UA-loaded PLGA-PVA microsphere coatings in preventing S. aureus attachment and biofilm development.
- To assess the biocompatibility of the fabricated thin films for potential biomedical applications.
Main Methods:
- Loading magnetic polylactic-co-glycolic acid-polyvinyl alcohol (PLGA-PVA) microspheres with (+)-usnic acid (UA).
- Fabricating thin coatings using matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation of UA-loaded microspheres.
- Quantitatively assessing S. aureus biofilm formation on coated surfaces using culture-based assays.
- Performing in vitro bioevaluation tests to determine biocompatibility.
Main Results:
- The UA-loaded microsphere coatings significantly inhibited the initial attachment of S. aureus.
- The developed surfaces effectively prevented the development of mature S. aureus biofilms.
- In vitro tests demonstrated excellent biocompatibility of the fabricated thin films.
Conclusions:
- UA-loaded PLGA-PVA microsphere coatings represent a promising strategy for developing non-toxic, S. aureus-resistant surfaces.
- These coatings show potential for preventing hospital-acquired infections and reducing biofilm-associated morbidity.
- The biocompatible nature of the films suggests applications in stem cell cultivation and tissue engineering scaffolds.
