Sprayable peptide-modified silver nanoparticles as a barrier against bacterial colonization

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Infectious Disease Research

Background:

• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess antimicrobial properties.
• Developing effective topical antimicrobial delivery systems is crucial for wound care.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen in wound infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a sprayable formulation of AgNPs functionalized with LL37-SH peptides.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the AgNP@LL37 spray against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• To assess the safety of the formulation on human skin cells and in a wound model.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized AgNPs and exchanged citrate capping agents with LL37-SH peptides.
• Combined AgNP@LL37 with type I collagen to form a sprayable film.
• Tested antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa proliferation and biofilms.
• Assessed cytotoxicity on human skin fibroblasts in 3D constructs.
• Evaluated silver infiltration in a mouse skin wound model.

Main Results:

• The AgNP@LL37 spray successfully prevented P. aeruginosa proliferation.
• A P. aeruginosa biofilm was eradicated by the AgNP@LL37 spray.
• The formulation demonstrated no toxicity to human skin fibroblasts.
• No silver infiltration was detected in a full-thickness mouse skin wound.

Conclusions:

• Sprayable AgNP@LL37 formulations are effective antimicrobial agents against P. aeruginosa.
• This formulation offers a safe and non-invasive approach for treating wound infections.
• The AgNP@LL37 spray shows promise as a novel wound care therapeutic.