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Updated: May 5, 2026
Nanomechanics of Drug-target Interactions and Antibacterial Resistance Detection
Published on: October 25, 2013
Zwitterionic Molecularly Imprinted Hairy Cellulose Nanocrystals Enable Selective Vancomycin Removal
Roya Koshani1, Shang-Lin Yeh1, Sina Kheirabadi1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States.
Abstract:
Access to free, off-target, and nontherapeutic doses of antibiotics is a key driving factor in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Intravenously (IV) administered vancomycin (VAN) is among the last-line antibiotics for treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. A fraction of the total IV dose unwantedly reaches the gastrointestinal tract, driving AMR. Selective VAN removal from the complex intestinal fluid may reduce the probability of AMR emergence; however, it remains a significant challenge due to the competitive adsorption of other species. Here, we engineer novel VAN-imprinted polymerized zwitterionic hairy cellulose nanocrystals (ViPZ-HCNC) that selectively capture VAN with a removal capacity of ∼ 235 mg g-1 at an imprinting factor of ∼ 7.5. ViPZ-HCNC provide the first nanocellulose-based material with an excellent selectivity for VAN against lysine, lysozyme, and bovine serum albumin, which efficiently remove VAN from calcium ion-containing solutions and simulated intestinal fluids. Additionally, ViPZ-HCNC are not toxic against NIH/3T3 murine fibroblast cells. We envision that ViPZ-HCNC may pave the way for developing soft materials that selectively remove off-target VAN from a broad range of media, preventing VAN resistance evolution. This research is a step forward in addressing the long-lasting AMR challenge using a biobased platform.
Insights
Researchers developed novel nanocellulose materials to selectively remove vancomycin (VAN) from the gut, potentially reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by capturing off-target antibiotic doses.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat.
- Off-target antibiotic doses, like vancomycin (VAN), in the gastrointestinal tract contribute to AMR.
- Selective removal of VAN from intestinal fluids is challenging due to competing molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a novel material for selective vancomycin removal from the gastrointestinal tract.
- To address the challenge of competitive adsorption in selective antibiotic capture.
- To develop a biobased solution for mitigating AMR evolution.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of VAN-imprinted polymerized zwitterionic hairy cellulose nanocrystals (ViPZ-HCNC).
- Evaluation of VAN capture capacity and selectivity against other biomolecules (lysine, lysozyme, albumin).
- Testing of ViPZ-HCNC in simulated intestinal fluids and assessment of cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- ViPZ-HCNC demonstrated a high VAN removal capacity (∼ 235 mg g-1) with an imprinting factor of ∼ 7.5.
- Achieved excellent selectivity for VAN over lysine, lysozyme, and bovine serum albumin.
- Efficiently removed VAN from calcium ion-containing solutions and simulated intestinal fluids without toxicity.
Conclusions:
- ViPZ-HCNC represent the first nanocellulose-based material with high selectivity for VAN capture.
- This material effectively removes VAN from complex biological media, offering a potential strategy against AMR.
- ViPZ-HCNC provide a promising biobased platform for developing soft materials to combat AMR evolution.
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