Functionalization of Biomimetic Polydopamine Shells Constructed onto Bismuth-Core Particles for pH-Mediated Drug...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Chronic bacterial infections pose significant challenges due to multidrug resistance.
• Multimodal therapies are crucial for enhancing antibiotic efficacy and overcoming resistance.
• Functionalized core-shell nanoparticles offer potential for advanced infection treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize novel Tris-functionalized polydopamine-coated Bismuth (Bi/PDA-Tris) particles.
• To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of Bi/PDA-Tris particles loaded with gentamicin (GM).
• To assess the biocompatibility and drug release kinetics of the developed nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Bi/PDA-Tris core-shell nanoparticles using a three-step protocol.
• Characterization via X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis.
• In vitro evaluation of particle properties, hemocompatibility, drug release, and antibacterial activity.

Main Results:

• Bi/PDA-Tris particles exhibited improved hydrophilicity, dispersity, and colloidal stability.
• Gentamicin-loaded Bi/PDA-Tris showed pH-mediated sustained release and significant in vitro antibacterial activity.
• Tris functionalization enhanced antibacterial efficacy, particularly under acidic conditions.

Conclusions:

• Tris-functionalized PDA-coated Bi particles are effective, biocompatible, and cost-efficient materials for treating drug-resistant infections.
• Bi/PDA-Tris offers a promising alternative to precious metals for developing advanced antimicrobial therapies.
• This approach provides a novel strategy for combating challenging bacterial infections.