Sulfur-Polymer Nanoparticles: Preparation and Antibacterial Activity

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• High sulfur content polymers synthesized via inverse vulcanization show promise as antimicrobial agents.
• Limited water-solubility and dispersibility of these polymers hinder their application development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate high sulfur content polymeric nanoparticles with improved aqueous dispersibility.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy and cytotoxicity of these nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Nanoprecipitation and emulsion-based methods were employed for nanoparticle formulation.
• Antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Cytotoxicity was assessed using mammalian liver cells.

Main Results:

• High sulfur content polymeric nanoparticles demonstrated significant inhibitory effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
• The nanoparticles effectively inhibited Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation.
• Formulated salt-stable particles with a surfactant retained antibacterial activity and showed low cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• Aqueous dispersions of high sulfur content polymeric nanoparticles can be successfully prepared.
• These nanoparticles exhibit potent antimicrobial activity and anti-biofilm properties.
• The developed nanoparticles hold potential for various biological applications, particularly in combating bacterial infections.