Cationic methacrylate polymers as topical antimicrobial agents against Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Antimicrobial Agents
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, is a significant pathogen causing various infections.
• Development of novel antimicrobial agents is crucial to combat antibiotic resistance.
• Polymeric materials offer unique properties for antimicrobial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity of primary ammonium ethyl methacrylate homopolymers (AEMPs).
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of AEMPs against Staphylococcus aureus.
• To compare AEMP activity with conventional antibiotics under challenging conditions.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of AEMPs with varying degrees of polymerization (DP = 7.7-12) via RAFT polymerization.
• In vitro antimicrobial testing against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
• In vivo efficacy assessment in a cotton rat nasal colonization model.
• Cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity assays using mammalian cell lines.

Main Results:

• AEMPs exhibited potent inhibitory effects against Gram-positive bacteria, notably MRSA.
• Antimicrobial activity was maintained in the presence of fetal bovine serum, outperforming mupirocin.
• AEMPs demonstrated low hemolytic activity and concentration-dependent cytotoxicity.
• Significant reduction in viable S. aureus in vivo was observed with AEMP treatment.

Conclusions:

• AEMPs possess promising antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus.
• AEMPs represent a potential therapeutic candidate for topical S. aureus infections.
• Further research into AEMP-based formulations for clinical application is warranted.