KR12 peptide associated with cyclodextrin: Antimicrobial and antitumor activities

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Materials Science
• Cell Biology

Background:

• The KR12 peptide exhibits antimicrobial properties.
• Cyclodextrins, such as 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (Hp-βCd), are used to enhance drug delivery and stability.
• Investigating peptide-cyclodextrin complexes is crucial for developing new therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the physical properties of the KR12 peptide complexed with Hp-βCd.
• To determine the antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects of the KR12:Hp-βCd complex in vitro.
• To assess the cytotoxicity and membrane interaction of the KR12:Hp-βCd complex.

Main Methods:

• Particle size and zeta (ζ)-potential measurements of the KR12:Hp-βCd complex.
• Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays for antimicrobial activity against oral bacteria.
• Cytotoxicity assays (MTT, hemolysis, lactate dehydrogenase) on fibroblast, Caco-2, and A431 cells.

Main Results:

• The KR12:Hp-βCd complex reduced the required peptide concentration for antimicrobial activity.
• Both KR12:Hp-βCd and KR12 alone altered cell ζ-potential and hemolysis, indicating membrane interaction.
• KR12 peptide alone showed stronger antiproliferative effects on Caco-2 and A431 cells than the complex, with no significant cytotoxicity.
• Both forms effectively inhibited odontopathogenic bacteria and Caco-2 cell growth.

Conclusions:

• The KR12:Hp-βCd complex enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of the KR12 peptide.
• The KR12 peptide, alone or complexed, demonstrates potential as an antimicrobial and antiproliferative agent.
• Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic applications of KR12 peptide and its complexes.