pH-Responsive Peptide-Polymer Hydrogel for Biofilm Disruption

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Infectious Diseases
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Bacterial biofilms are resilient structures that impede chronic infection treatment.
• Biofilm acidity, caused by bacterial metabolism, further hinders antimicrobial efficacy.
• Novel strategies are needed to target biofilms, especially in their acidic microenvironments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop acid-responsive double-network hydrogels for targeted biofilm eradication.
• To encapsulate antimicrobial peptides within these hydrogels for enhanced efficacy.
• To investigate the pH-triggered release mechanism for biofilm treatment.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of double-network hydrogels using self-assembling peptide nanofibers and 4-arm PEG polymers.
• Incorporation of a non-natural ionic amino acid for pH responsiveness.
• Encapsulation of antimicrobial peptides within the hydrogel matrix.
• Evaluation of hydrogel disassembly and antimicrobial release in acidic conditions.

Main Results:

• The peptide-polymer hydrogels demonstrated pH-responsive disassembly in weakly acidic conditions.
• Acidification led to increased hydrogel pore size and triggered the release of encapsulated antimicrobial peptides.
• The developed hydrogel system showed potential for targeted delivery and disruption of biofilms.

Conclusions:

• Acid-responsive peptide-polymer hydrogels offer a promising platform for combating biofilm-associated infections.
• The pH-triggered release mechanism enhances the targeted delivery of antimicrobials to acidic biofilm sites.
• This innovative approach may lead to more effective and safer treatments for chronic infections.