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pH-Responsive Charge Convertible Hyperbranched Poly(ionic liquid) Nanoassembly with High Biocompatibility for
Bingyan Lin1, Yao Luo1, Donglin Xie1
1School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, People's Republic of China.
Nano Letters
|June 5, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a biocompatible hyperbranched poly(ionic liquid) (HPIL-Glu) that effectively combats bacterial biofilms and promotes wound healing. This novel material exhibits pH-responsive properties, reducing toxicity while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy without inducing resistance.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Hyperbranched poly(ionic liquids) (HPILs) show promise against bacterial biofilms but face toxicity challenges for in vivo use due to high cation density.
- Developing biocompatible antimicrobial agents is crucial for treating infections, especially chronic wounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a biocompatible HPIL (HPIL-Glu) with reduced toxicity and retained antimicrobial activity.
- To investigate the pH-responsive charge conversion mechanism for targeted biofilm eradication.
- To evaluate the efficacy of HPIL-Glu in combating bacterial biofilms and promoting chronic wound healing.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a biocompatible HPIL (HPIL-Glu) using a hyperbranched polyurea core and charge-convertible ionic liquids with a gluconate (Glu) counterion.
- Characterization of HPIL-Glu's nanoassembly formation in water and pH-responsive charge conversion.
- Antimicrobial assessments including bacterial killing, biofilm eradication, and in vivo wound healing promotion.
- Evaluation of potential antimicrobial resistance induction.
Main Results:
- HPIL-Glu formed homogeneous nanoassemblies in water and displayed pH-responsive charge conversion.
- Glu shielding at neutral pH minimized toxicity, while deprotonation in acidic conditions exposed cationic sites for biofilm eradication.
- HPIL-Glu demonstrated effective bacterial killing and promoted the healing of infected chronic wounds.
- No antimicrobial resistance was observed after prolonged exposure.
Conclusions:
- HPIL-Glu represents a safe and effective biocompatible alternative to traditional antibiotics for combating bacterial biofilms.
- The pH-responsive charge conversion mechanism offers a strategy for targeted antimicrobial delivery and reduced host toxicity.
- HPIL-Glu shows significant potential for clinical applications in treating bacterial infections and promoting wound healing.
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