Preparation of Poly(MTZ) -(DMAEMA) Micelles and Study on Their Antibacterial Property

Long Zhang1, Yongkang Zhang1, Gang Zhao1

  • 1Insititute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, P. R. China.

ACS Omega
|September 21, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Novel polymer micelles targeting bacteria were developed to combat antibiotic resistance. These Poly(MTZ)-(DMAEMA) micelles enhance drug sensitivity, offering a potential solution for treating drug-resistant bacterial infections.

Area of Science:

  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Antimicrobial Research
  • Nanotechnology

Background:

  • Clinical antibiotic abuse fuels the rise of drug-resistant bacteria and superbugs.
  • Bacterial infections are a significant global health concern, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Developing effective treatments against resistant bacterial strains is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize novel Poly(MTZ)-(DMAEMA) polymer micelles with surface cations.
  • To investigate the targeted delivery and enhanced bactericidal activity of these polymer micelles.
  • To evaluate the potential of these micelles in overcoming antibiotic resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Two-step polymer synthesis involving metronidazole (MTZ) and 2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA).
  • Utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for visualizing micelle targeting to bacterial surfaces.
  • Employing zone of inhibition assays to assess enhanced drug sensitivity.

Main Results:

  • Poly(MTZ)-(DMAEMA) polymer micelles were successfully synthesized with cationic surfaces.
  • SEM confirmed accurate targeting of micelles to bacterial surfaces.
  • Zone of inhibition assays demonstrated enhanced bacterial sensitivity to drugs when treated with the micelles.

Conclusions:

  • The synthesized Poly(MTZ)-(DMAEMA) polymer micelles show potential for targeted delivery and enhanced antimicrobial efficacy.
  • These micelles offer a promising strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly in anaerobic infections.
  • Further clinical applications for treating infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria are anticipated.