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Published on: October 29, 2013
Antimicrobial d-Peptide Hydrogels
Zhen Guo1,2,3, Yujiao Wang1,2,3, Tingyuan Tan1,2,3
1Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China.
Abstract:
Biofilms are widely involved in human lives, such as in medical infection, environmental remediation, and industrial processes. However, the control of the biofilm has still been a challenge because of its strong drug resistance. Here, we designed and synthesized an amphipathic antimicrobial peptide (Ac-DKDHDHDQDKDLDVDFDFDADK-NH2 (KKd-11)) that was composed of d-amino acids (DAAs). KKd-11 was found to self-assemble into a hydrogel with an improved long-term antimicrobial ability and a better antiprotease activity as compared to the hydrogel formed by Ac-LKLHLHLQLKLLLVLFLFLALK-NH2 (KK-11). Our results indicated that KKd-11 was not only able to inhibit the formation of biofilms but also could effectively damage preformed mature biofilms and kill the bacteria within the biofilms. Besides, cell viability assays indicated that the KKd-11 peptide had very good biocompatibility. We think d-peptide hydrogels may have great potential in the treatment of biofilm-induced infections.
Insights
Researchers developed a d-amino acid antimicrobial peptide hydrogel (KKd-11) that effectively combats drug-resistant biofilms. This peptide hydrogel shows enhanced antimicrobial and antiprotease activity, offering potential for treating biofilm infections.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Biofilms are prevalent in medical, environmental, and industrial settings.
- Biofilm control is challenging due to significant drug resistance.
- Antimicrobial peptides offer a potential solution for biofilm management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and synthesize an amphipathic antimicrobial peptide using d-amino acids (DAAs).
- To evaluate the self-assembly and antimicrobial properties of the d-peptide hydrogel (KKd-11).
- To compare KKd-11 with its l-amino acid counterpart (KK-11) for biofilm inhibition and degradation.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of amphipathic antimicrobial peptides composed of d-amino acids (KKd-11) and l-amino acids (KK-11).
- Hydrogel formation and characterization of self-assembled structures.
- Assessment of antimicrobial activity against biofilms, including inhibition of formation and damage to mature biofilms.
- Evaluation of antiprotease activity and biocompatibility through cell viability assays.
Main Results:
- KKd-11 self-assembled into a hydrogel with superior long-term antimicrobial ability and antiprotease activity compared to KK-11.
- KKd-11 effectively inhibited biofilm formation and damaged preformed mature biofilms.
- The d-peptide hydrogel demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy within biofilms.
- Cell viability assays confirmed the good biocompatibility of the KKd-11 peptide.
Conclusions:
- D-amino acid based peptide hydrogels exhibit enhanced antimicrobial properties against biofilms.
- KKd-11 demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for combating biofilm-induced infections.
- The developed d-peptide hydrogels represent a promising strategy for addressing drug-resistant microbial communities.
