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Bacterial Photoinactivation Using PLGA Electrospun Scaffolds
Aline O Pereira1, Isabella M I Lopes1, Thiago R Silva1
1School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo (USP), Arlindo Bettio Av., 1000, São Paulo 03828-000, Brazil.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 29, 2021
Summary
Poly[lactic-co-(glycolic acid)] (PLGA) nanofibers offer a novel approach to bacterial inactivation using ambient light. This environmentally friendly method shows potential for surface sterilization and even cancer treatment applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Antimicrobial Strategies
Background:
- Traditional UV and blue light sterilization methods are effective but have limitations for commercial applications.
- Developing alternative, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly sterilization techniques is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of poly[lactic-co-(glycolic acid)] (PLGA) nanofibers for bacterial inactivation using ambient light.
- To explore PLGA nanofibers as an alternative to conventional UV and blue light sterilization.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PLGA nanofibers using a spinning technique.
- Testing the photoinactivation efficacy of PLGA scaffolds against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli under ambient light and 630 nm laser irradiation.
- Comparing the effectiveness of spun nanofibers versus cast PLGA films.
Main Results:
- PLGA spun nanofibers demonstrated significant photoinactivation of both S. aureus and E. coli bacteria.
- The bacterial inactivation was effective with ambient light or 630 nm laser irradiation.
- Optimized PLGA85:15 nanofibers required lower light intensity for bacterial killing compared to antimicrobial blue light applications.
- Cast PLGA films showed no antimicrobial effect, highlighting the importance of the nanofiber structure.
Conclusions:
- PLGA nanofibers present a promising, novel methodology for bacterial inactivation, offering a less costly and more environmentally friendly alternative to current sterilization methods.
- The unique nanofiber structure of PLGA scaffolds is responsible for their enhanced antimicrobial properties.
- These findings suggest potential applications beyond surface sterilization, including cancer treatment with reduced side effects due to the absence of photosensitizers.
