Antibacterial activity of antimicrobial peptide-conjugated nanofibrous membranes
Günnur Onak1, Utku Kürşat Ercan2, Ozan Karaman1
1Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, İzmir Katip Çelebi University, İzmir 35620, Turkey.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered as novel potential alternatives to antibiotics against increasing number of multi drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. Although AMPs have shown strong antimicrobial activity against gram-negative or gram-positive microorganisms, AMP conjugated biomaterials that are effective against MDR microorganisms are yet to be developed. Herein, the potential use of (RWRWRWRW)-NH2 (AMP-1) and KRFRIRVRV-NH2 (AMP-2) peptide conjugated electrospun polylactic-co-glycolic-acid (PLGA) nanofibers (NFs) fabricated and their antimicrobial effect by themselves and in their dual combination (1:1) were evaluated on P. aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Those AMP conjugated NFs did not inhibit proliferation of keratinocytes. These results suggest that AMP conjugated NF, which has multiple biological activities, would be a promising candidate as a wound dressing material.
Insights
Antimicrobial peptides conjugated to nanofibers show promise as wound dressings. These materials effectively combat multi-drug resistant bacteria without harming skin cells, offering a novel alternative to traditional antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microbiology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are emerging as crucial alternatives to conventional antibiotics due to the rise of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens.
- While AMPs exhibit potent antimicrobial properties, the development of AMP-conjugated biomaterials effective against MDR microorganisms remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and evaluate antimicrobial peptide (AMP) conjugated electrospun polylactic-co-glycolic-acid (PLGA) nanofibers (NFs) for their efficacy against MDR pathogens.
- To assess the biocompatibility of these AMP-conjugated NFs with keratinocytes.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PLGA nanofibers conjugated with two specific AMPs: (RWRWRWRW)-NH2 (AMP-1) and KRFRIRVRV-NH2 (AMP-2).
- Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of individual AMP-conjugated NFs and their dual combination (1:1) against *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* and methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA).
- Assessment of the proliferation of keratinocytes in the presence of the AMP-conjugated NFs.
Main Results:
- The AMP-conjugated PLGA nanofibers demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against both *P. aeruginosa* and MRSA.
- No inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation was observed, indicating good biocompatibility.
- The dual combination of AMP-conjugated NFs showed enhanced efficacy.
Conclusions:
- AMP-conjugated PLGA nanofibers present a dual-action approach, combining antimicrobial properties with a suitable scaffold for wound healing.
- These materials are effective against key MDR pathogens and are biocompatible with skin cells.
- AMP-conjugated nanofibers are a promising candidate for advanced wound dressing applications.
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