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Wool Keratin 3D Scaffolds with Light-Triggered Antimicrobial Activity
Claudia Ferroni1, Giovanna Sotgiu1, Anna Sagnella2
1Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity - Italian National Research Council, Via P. Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy.
Biomacromolecules
|July 28, 2016
Summary
Photoactivatable keratin sponges loaded with photosensitizers (PS) show potent antimicrobial photodynamic effects. The choice of PS influences sponge properties and antibacterial efficacy, while maintaining cell viability.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Photochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Keratin-based biomaterials offer versatile platforms for biomedical applications.
- Photosensitizers (PS) enable targeted therapeutic effects upon light activation.
- Developing effective antimicrobial strategies is crucial for combating bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize photoactivatable keratin sponges functionalized with two distinct photosensitizers: Azure A (AzA) and a tetraiodide salt of a tetrakis-substituted porphyrin (TTFAP).
- To evaluate the impact of photosensitizer choice on sponge properties, including porosity, pore size, photosensitizer release, swelling, and biodegradation.
- To assess the antimicrobial photodynamic efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and evaluate cytocompatibility with human fibroblasts.
Main Methods:
- Keratin sponges were fabricated using a freeze-drying method.
- Photofunctionalization was achieved by incorporating Azure A (AzA) and TTFAP photosensitizers.
- Physicochemical properties (porosity, pore size, swelling, biodegradation) and photosensitizer release were quantified.
- Antimicrobial photodynamic activity was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- Human fibroblast cell viability was assessed to determine cytocompatibility.
Main Results:
- Keratin sponges exhibited porosity between 49-80% and mean pore sizes of 37-80 μm.
- TTFAP demonstrated stronger interaction with sponges, showing lower release (6% vs 20%), reduced swelling (1.6 vs 7.4), and slower biodegradation compared to AzA.
- AzA-loaded sponges displayed superior photoactivity and higher antibactericidal efficacy against both bacterial types.
- All prepared sponges supported human fibroblast growth, with no significant impairment of cell viability after light irradiation.
Conclusions:
- The antimicrobial photodynamic effect can be modulated by selecting the appropriate photosensitizer type and amount, alongside optimizing irradiation time.
- Photoactivatable keratin sponges are promising for antimicrobial applications, offering tunable properties and good cytocompatibility.
- This study highlights the potential of keratin-based biomaterials for developing advanced photodynamic therapies.
