Modulating Antimicrobial Activity and Mammalian Cell Biocompatibility with Glucosamine-Functionalized Star Polymers
Edgar H H Wong1,2, Mya Mya Khin1,2, Vikashini Ravikumar1,2
1School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, and ‡Centre for Antimicrobial Bioengineering, Nanyang Technological University , Singapore 637459.
New star polymers combining polylysine and glycopolymer arms show potent antimicrobial activity against resistant bacteria like MRSA and VRE. These biocompatible nanoparticles offer a promising new strategy for fighting dangerous infections.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a significant global health threat.
- Development of novel antimicrobial agents is crucial to combat rising resistance.
- Existing treatments face challenges due to resistance and side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel antimicrobial star polymers.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of these star polymers against resistant bacteria.
- To explore structure-function relationships for optimizing antimicrobial and biocompatibility properties.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of star polymers composed of polylysine and glycopolymer arms.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against Gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA and VRE.
- Hemolysis assays and mammalian cell cytotoxicity studies to assess biocompatibility.
- Structure-function analysis by varying the polylysine to glycopolymer molar ratio.
Main Results:
- Star polymers (14-26 nm) demonstrated significant antimicrobial efficacy against MRSA and VRE (MIC as low as 16 μg mL(-1)).
- The developed polymers were non-hemolytic (HC50 > 10,000 μg mL(-1)) and showed excellent mammalian cell biocompatibility.
- Antimicrobial activity and cell compatibility were tunable by adjusting the polymer arm ratio.
Conclusions:
- Novel star polymers offer a dual benefit of potent antimicrobial action and high biocompatibility.
- Optimizing the polylysine/glycopolymer ratio is key to enhancing therapeutic potential.
- This technology presents an innovative approach for developing new treatments against deadly infectious diseases.
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