Light-activated polymethylmethacrylate nanofibers with antibacterial activity

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance necessitates novel antibacterial strategies.
• Triggerable antibacterial materials can prevent overuse of antimicrobials.
• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and porphyrins are known for antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a light-activated antibacterial material using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanofibers.
• To incorporate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) for enhanced antibacterial efficacy.
• To investigate the light-triggerable antibacterial activity and stability of the developed material.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of AgNPs/TPP/PMMA nanofibers via electrospinning.
• Characterization of material properties, including photothermal stability.
• Antibacterial efficacy testing against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis under light irradiation.

Main Results:

• The AgNPs/TPP/PMMA nanofibers exhibited significant light-triggerable antibacterial activity.
• Light irradiation at 405nm dramatically increased antibacterial efficacy, linked to AgNP release.
• The material demonstrated enhanced longevity and photothermal stability under prolonged light exposure.

Conclusions:

• The developed AgNPs/TPP/PMMA nanofibers represent a promising photodynamic therapy approach.
• Light-triggered release of AgNPs is a key mechanism for enhanced antibacterial action.
• This material offers a strategy to combat bacterial infections while mitigating antimicrobial resistance.