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Antibiofilm Activity of PEGylated Branched Polyethylenimine
Hannah Panlilio1, Andrew Neel1, Neda Heydarian1
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73069, United States.
Abstract:
Biofilm formation is an adaptive resistance mechanism that pathogens employ to survive in the presence of antimicrobials. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an infectious Gram-negative bacterium whose biofilm allows it to withstand antimicrobial attack and threaten human health. Chronic wound healing is often impeded by P. aeruginosa infections and the associated biofilms. Previous findings demonstrate that 600 Da branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) can restore β-lactam potency against P. aeruginosa and disrupt its biofilms. Toxicity concerns of 600 Da BPEI are mitigated by covalent linkage with low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol (PEG), and, in this study, PEGylated BPEI (PEG350-BPEI) was found exhibit superior antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa. The antibiofilm activity of both 600 Da BPEI and its PEG derivative was characterized with fluorescence studies and microscopy imaging. We also describe a variation of the colony biofilm model that was employed to evaluate the biofilm disruption activity of BPEI and PEG-BPEI.
Insights
Branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) and its PEGylated derivative (PEG350-BPEI) effectively disrupt Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. PEG350-BPEI shows enhanced antibiofilm activity, aiding in combating chronic wound infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Biofilm formation is a key resistance mechanism for pathogens like *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, hindering antimicrobial treatment and chronic wound healing.
- *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* biofilms pose a significant threat to human health due to their resistance to antimicrobial agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antibiofilm activity of branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) and its polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative (PEG350-BPEI) against *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*.
- To assess the potential of PEG350-BPEI as an agent to overcome antimicrobial resistance mediated by *P. aeruginosa* biofilms.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of antibiofilm activity using fluorescence studies and microscopy imaging.
- Utilized a modified colony biofilm model to assess the biofilm disruption capabilities of BPEI and PEG-BPEI.
Main Results:
- Both 600 Da BPEI and its PEGylated derivative, PEG350-BPEI, demonstrated significant antibiofilm activity against *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*.
- PEG350-BPEI exhibited superior antibiofilm efficacy compared to unmodified 600 Da BPEI.
- The study confirmed the ability of these compounds to disrupt established biofilms.
Conclusions:
- PEGylated branched polyethylenimine (PEG350-BPEI) is a promising agent for combating *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* biofilms.
- This compound offers a potential strategy to restore antimicrobial efficacy and improve outcomes in chronic wound infections.
- Further research into PEG-BPEI could lead to novel therapeutic approaches against persistent bacterial infections.
