Unexpected Enhancement of Antimicrobial Polymer Activity Against Staphylococcus Aureus in the Presence of Fetal Bovine Serum

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Unexpected Enhancement of Antimicrobial Polymer Activity Against Staphylococcus Aureus in the Presence of Fetal Bovine Serum molecules Communication Unexpected Enhancement of Antimicrobial Polymer Activity against Staphylococcus aureus in the Presence of Fetal Bovine Serum Iva Sovadinová 1 , Kenichi Kuroda 2,* and Edmund F. Palermo 3,* 1 RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 3, CZ-62500 Brno, Czech Republic; [email protected] 2 Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA 3 Materials Science and Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA * Correspondence: [email protected] (K.K.); [email protected] (E.F.P.) Abstract: Cationic and amphiphilic polymers are known to exert broad-spectrum antibacterial activ- ity by a putative mechanism of membrane disruption. Typically, nonspecific binding to hydrophobic components of the complex biological milieu, such as globular proteins, is considered a deterrent to the successful application of such polymers. To evaluate the extent to which serum deactivates an- tibacterial polymethacrylates, we compared their minimum inhibitory concentrations in the presence and absence of fetal bovine serum. Surprisingly, we discovered that the addition of fetal bovine serum (FBS) to the assay media in fact enhances the antimicrobial activity of polymers against Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus, whereas the opposite is the case for Gram-negative E. coli. Here, we present these Citation: Sovadinová, I.; Kuroda, K.; unexpected trends and develop a hypothesis to potentially explain this unusual phenomenon. Palermo, E.F. Unexpected Enhancement of Antimicrobial Keywords: antimicrobial; polymer; S. aureus; serum Polymer Activity against Staphylococcus aureus in the Presence of Fetal Bovine Serum. Molecules 2021, 26, 4512. https://doi.org/10.3390/ 1. Introduction molecules26154512 The emergence of antibiotic multidrug-resistant bacterial infections has significantly complicated treatment, which presents a looming threat to public health worldwide [1]. To Academic Editors: Bruce P. Lee and address this critical challenge, cationic amphiphilic copolymers were designed to mimic Bo Liu host-defence antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that act by compromising the barrier function of bacterial cell membranes [2–4]. AMP-mimetic copolymers show a broad spectrum of ac- Received: 14 June 2021 tivity, rapid bactericidal action, and low propensity to induce resistance, which collectively Accepted: 20 July 2021 Published: 27 July 2021 represent the hallmarks of AMP activity [5]. This polymer-based approach is expected to provide new robust and effective antimicrobials to eradicate drug-resistant bacteria. Indeed, S. aureus Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral cationic polymethacrylates showed promising results in a mouse model of nasal with regard to jurisdictional claims in infection [6]. However, AMPs and AMP-mimetics often suffer from nonspecific binding to published maps and institutional affil- proteins, which significantly reduces their antimicrobial efficacy in the physiological milieu iations. such as blood, saliva, and other body fluids [7,8]. This key drawback was a significant barrier to their translational application in medicine. In the course of our investigations on antimicrobial polymers, we sought to quantify the effect of serum and serum proteins on the activity of polymers in an attempt to find lead candidates that might retain a sufficient degree of their inherent potency in the physiological condition. Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. S. aureus Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. We are specifically targeting because it is currently one of the most serious This article is an open access article pathogens in the medical field due to the rise in antibiotic drug resistance. The cell wall of distributed under the terms and S. aureus is a tough protective coat, which is relatively amorphous and is 20–40 nm thick [9]. conditions of the Creative Commons Teichoic acids, a major part of a cell wall, contribute together with peptidoglycan to a Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// net negative charge of the staphylococcal cell surface [10]. This Gram-positive, spherical creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ bacterium causes a variety of localized and more invasive infections, especially when the 4.0/). skin or a mucosal barrier is breached [11]. S. aureus colonizes and infects both hospitalized Molecules 2021, 26, 4512. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154512 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules Molecules 2021, 26, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 8 Molecules 2021, 26, 4512 net negative charge of the staphylococcal cell surface [10]. This Gram-positive, spherical2 of 8 bacterium causes a variety of localized and more invasive infections, especially when the skin or a mucosal barrier is breached [11]. S. aureus colonizes and infects both hospitalized patients with decreased immunity and healthy immunocompetent patients [10]. Thus, patients with decreased immunity and healthy immunocompetent patients [10]. Thus, there remains an urgent and unmet need for new antimicrobials effective in eradicating there remains an urgent and unmet need for new antimicrobials effective in eradicating S. S. aureus infection. Surprisingly, we discovered that the activity of cationic homopolymers aureus infection. Surprisingly, we discovered that the activity of cationic homopolymers of of aminoethyl methacrylate against S. aureus is in fact enhanced in the presence of fetal aminoethyl methacrylate against S. aureus is in fact enhanced in the presence of fetal bovine bovine serum (FBS), an intriguing result that stands in stark contrast with conventional serum (FBS), an intriguing result that stands in stark contrast with conventional wisdom wisdom in the field. Here, we extended our investigation to cationic amphiphilic copoly- in the field. Here, we extended our investigation to cationic amphiphilic copolymers mers with hydrophobic side chains, which mimic the properties of AMPs, and propose a with hydrophobic side chains, which mimic the properties of AMPs, and propose a new new hypothesis to explain this potentially valuable phenomenon. hypothesis to explain this potentially valuable phenomenon. 2. Results and Discussion In this study, wewe reportreport our our discovery discovery that that serum serum potentiates potentiates the the antimicrobial antimicrobial activity activ- ofity AMP-mimeticof AMP-mimetic methacrylate methacrylate copolymers copolymers against againstS. aureusS. aureus. Despite. Despite the the ever-increasing ever-increas- abundanceing abundance of literature of literature on antimicrobialon antimicrobial polymers, polymers, we we could could find find no no report report quantifying quantify- theing effectsthe effects of whole of whole serum serum and and serum serum proteins protei onns antibacterial on antibacterial polymer polymer activity activity (perhaps (per- duehaps to due the to prevailing the prevailing view thatview serum that proteinsserum proteins will inactivate will inactivate these antibacterial these antibacterial agents, underminingagents, undermining their potential their application).potential application). Since the serumSince effectthe serum is rather effect important is rather for im- the nextportant step for into the translational next step into work, translational we therefore work, endeavored we therefore to screen endeavored a library of to prototypical screen a li- antibacterialbrary of prototypical polymethacrylates antibacterial for activity polymethacrylates in the growth for media activity (MH in broth) the growth supplemented media with(MH serum.broth) supplemented with serum. The methacrylate copolymers consist of randomrandom sequencessequences ofof cationiccationic aminoethylaminoethyl methacrylate and and hydrophobic hydrophobic alkyl alkyl (methyl (methyl or orbutyl) butyl) methacrylates methacrylates (as illustrated (as illustrated in Fig- in Figureure 1),1 which), which were were designed designed to mimic to mimic the cationic the cationic amphiphilic amphiphilic structure structure and the and mem- the membrane-disruptingbrane-disrupting function function of AMPs of AMPs[12]. The [12 synthesis]. The synthesis and characterization and characterization were reported were reportedpreviously previously [13]. In this [13]. study, In this we study, focused we focused on a representative on a representative panel panel of low of lowmolecular molec- ularweight weight polymers polymers (2–3 kDa), (2–3 kDa),which which mimic mimic the small the molecular small molecular size of sizeAMPs. of AMPs.The (co)pol- The (co)polymersymers are denoted are denoted as P0, asMPx,0 ,andMx ,B andx. TheBx .letter The letter indicates indicates either either a homopolymer a homopolymer (P0 ()P or0) orcopolymers copolymers with with methyl methyl (M (M) or) or butyl butyl (B (B) )side side chains, chains, whereas whereas xx indicates the averageaverage mole% of methyl or butyl groups in thethe copolymerscopolymers (as(as illustratedillustrated inin TableTable1 1).). O H O H x n MeO S 1-x MeO S n O O O O O O Mx: R = Me R P0 Bx: R = Bu x = mol % R NH3 NH3 Figure 1. Structure of cationic, amphiphilic (co)polymethacrylates. Table 1.1. CharacterizationCharacterization ofof (co)polymers.(co)polymers. a b PolymerPolymer RR %R%R DP DP a MMn nb P0P0 -- 00 14 14 2320 2320 M M1010 MeMe 1010 14 14 2200 2200 M28 Me 28 15 2170 M28 Me 28 15 2170 M47 Me 47 20 2640 47 MM63 MeMe 6347 20 17 2640 2070 BM27 63 BuMe 2763 17 16 2070 2530 a Degree ofB polymerization27 basedBu on NMR end-group27 analysis; b number16 average molecular2530 weight
Recommended publications
  • (12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 6,706,855 B1 Collins Et Al
    USOO6706855B1 (12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 6,706,855 B1 Collins et al. (45) Date of Patent: Mar. 16, 2004 (54) ANTIMICROBIAL POLYMER (56) References Cited (75) Inventors: Andrew Neale Collins, Manchester U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS (GB); Brian David Bothwell, 5,235,045 A 8/1993 Lewis et al. Manchester (GB); Graham John 5,498,547 A 3/1996 Blake et al. McPherson, Manchester (GB) FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS (73) Assignee: Avecia Limited, Manchester (GB) JP 56 167383 A 12/1981 SU 619 489 A 7/1978 (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this WO WO 94/09357 4/1994 patent is extended or adjusted under 35 WO WO 94/09360 4/1994 U.S.C. 154(b) by 40 days. WO WO 98/02492 1/1998 (21) Appl. No.: 10/070,152 OTHER PUBLICATIONS (22) PCT Filed: Jul. 25, 2000 S.C. Chang et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. (1993) vol. 3, (86) PCT No.: PCT/GB00/02864 No. 4, pp. 555-556. S371 (c)(1), Primary Examiner Duc Truong (2), (4) Date: Mar. 4, 2002 (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm- Pillsbury Winthrop LLP (87) PCT Pub. No.: WO01/17356 (57) ABSTRACT An antimicrobial polymer, characterised in that it carries a PCT Pub. Date: Mar. 15, 2001 covalently bound chromophoric marker. The antimicrobial (30) Foreign Application Priority Data polymer is preferably a cationic antimicrobial polymer, especially a poly(hexamethylenebiguanide). Also claimed Sep. 3, 1999 (GB) ............................................. 992O774 are compositions containing the antimicrobial polymer, a (51) Int. Cl." ......................... C08G 73/00; CO8G 73/06 method for treating a medium using the antimicrobial poly (52) U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Recent Developments in Antimicrobial Polymers: a Review
    materials Review Recent Developments in Antimicrobial Polymers: A Review Madson R. E. Santos 1, Ana C. Fonseca 1, Patrícia V. Mendonça 1, Rita Branco 2, Arménio C. Serra 1, Paula V. Morais 2 and Jorge F. J. Coelho 1,* 1 CEMUC, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3030-790, Portugal; [email protected] (M.R.E.S.); [email protected] (A.C.F.); [email protected] (P.V.M.); [email protected] (A.C.S.) 2 CEMUC, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3001-401, Portugal; [email protected] (R.B.); [email protected] (P.V.M.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +351-239-798-744 Academic Editor: Fernão D. Magalhães Received: 30 April 2016; Accepted: 14 July 2016; Published: 20 July 2016 Abstract: Antimicrobial polymers represent a very promising class of therapeutics with unique characteristics for fighting microbial infections. As the classic antibiotics exhibit an increasingly low capacity to effectively act on microorganisms, new solutions must be developed. The importance of this class of materials emerged from the uncontrolled use of antibiotics, which led to the advent of multidrug-resistant microbes, being nowadays one of the most serious public health problems. This review presents a critical discussion of the latest developments involving the use of different classes of antimicrobial polymers. The synthesis pathways used to afford macromolecules with antimicrobial properties, as well as the relationship between the structure and performance of these materials are discussed. Keywords: antimicrobial polymers; biocide polymers; multidrug resistant microbes 1. Introduction Nowadays, microbial infections are a great concern because they are one of the main primary causes of death worldwide, especially in healthcare institutions, where people are generally more vulnerable [1–3].
    [Show full text]
  • Antimicrobial Food Packaging with Biodegradable Polymers and Bacteriocins
    molecules Review Antimicrobial Food Packaging with Biodegradable Polymers and Bacteriocins Małgorzata Gumienna * and Barbara Górna Laboratory of Fermentation and Biosynthesis, Department of Food Technology of Plant Origin, Pozna´nUniversity of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 31, 60-624 Pozna´n,Poland; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +48-61-848-7267 Abstract: Innovations in food and drink packaging result mainly from the needs and requirements of consumers, which are influenced by changing global trends. Antimicrobial and active packaging are at the forefront of current research and development for food packaging. One of the few natural polymers on the market with antimicrobial properties is biodegradable and biocompatible chitosan. It is formed as a result of chitin deacetylation. Due to these properties, the production of chitosan alone or a composite film based on chitosan is of great interest to scientists and industrialists from various fields. Chitosan films have the potential to be used as a packaging material to maintain the quality and microbiological safety of food. In addition, chitosan is widely used in antimicrobial films against a wide range of pathogenic and food spoilage microbes. Polylactic acid (PLA) is considered one of the most promising and environmentally friendly polymers due to its physical and chemical properties, including renewable, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and is considered safe (GRAS). There is great interest among scientists in the study of PLA as an alternative food packaging film with improved properties to increase its usability for food packaging applications. The aim of this review article is to draw attention to the existing possibilities of using various components in combination Citation: Gumienna, M.; Górna, B.
    [Show full text]
  • Combination Therapy Using Synthetic Antimicrobial Polymers: a Platform to Combat Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Rashin Namivandi Z
    Combination Therapy Using Synthetic Antimicrobial Polymers: A Platform to Combat Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Rashin Namivandi Zangeneh A thesis in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy School of Chemical Engineering Faculty of Engineering April 2020 PLEASE TYPE THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname or Family name: Namivandi Zangeneh First name: Rashin Other name/s: Abbreviation for degree as given in the University calendar: PhD School: School of Chemical Engineering Faculty: Faculty of Engineering Title: Combination Therapy Using Synthetic Antimicrobial Polymers: A Platform to Combat Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Abstract 350 words maximum: The widespread failure of antibiotics in the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) or biofilm-associated infections is a critical global healthcare issue. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of novel and effective antimicrobial agents or strategies. This dissertation explores the use of a potent synthetic antimicrobial polymer that consists of biocompatible oligo(ethylene glycol), hydrophobic ethylhexyl and cationic primary amine functional groups as a potential alternative to currently available antibiotics. In particular, this work investigates the advantages of combination therapy involving synthetic antimicrobial polymers and other antimicrobial agents as a novel therapeutic approach against bacterial infections. Firstly, a potent antibiofilm agent was developed by incorporating NO donor moieties into the structure of the synthetic antimicrobial polymer. The NO-loaded polymer showed dual-action capability as it could release NO to disperse biofilm, while the polymer caused membrane disruption. A synergistic effect in biofilm dispersal, planktonic and biofilm killing activities was observed against the Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.
    [Show full text]
  • Antimicrobial Polymers with Metal Nanoparticles
    Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015, 16, 2099-2116; doi:10.3390/ijms16012099 OPEN ACCESS International Journal of Molecular Sciences ISSN 1422-0067 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms Review Antimicrobial Polymers with Metal Nanoparticles Humberto Palza Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Chile, Beauchef 850, Santiago 8320000, Chile; E-Mail: [email protected]; Tel.: +56-22-978-4085; Fax: +56-22-699-1084 Academic Editor: Antonella Piozzi Received: 24 November 2014 / Accepted: 9 January 2015 / Published: 19 January 2015 Abstract: Metals, such as copper and silver, can be extremely toxic to bacteria at exceptionally low concentrations. Because of this biocidal activity, metals have been widely used as antimicrobial agents in a multitude of applications related with agriculture, healthcare, and the industry in general. Unlike other antimicrobial agents, metals are stable under conditions currently found in the industry allowing their use as additives. Today these metal based additives are found as: particles, ions absorbed/exchanged in different carriers, salts, hybrid structures, etc. One recent route to further extend the antimicrobial applications of these metals is by their incorporation as nanoparticles into polymer matrices. These polymer/metal nanocomposites can be prepared by several routes such as in situ synthesis of the nanoparticle within a hydrogel or direct addition of the metal nanofiller into a thermoplastic matrix. The objective of the present review is to show examples of polymer/metal composites designed to have antimicrobial activities, with a special focus on copper and silver metal nanoparticles and their mechanisms. Keywords: antimicrobial metals; polymer nanocomposites; copper; silver 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Antimicrobial Polymer Composites for Medical Applications
    ANTIMICROBIAL POLYMER COMPOSITES FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS PETER KAALI Doctoral Thesis Stockholm, Sweden 2011 AKADEMISK AVHANDLING Som med tillstånd av Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan i Stockholm framlägges till offentlig granskning för avläggande av teknisk doktorsexamen Fredagen den 13 Maj 2011, kl. 13.00 i sal F3, Lindstedtsvägen 23, KTH, Stockholm. Avhandlingen försvaras på engelska. Contact information: KTH Chemical Science and Engineering Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology Royal Institute of Technology Teknikringen 56-58 SE-100 44 Stockholm Sweden Copyright PETER KAALI All rights reserved Paper I © 2010 Paper II © 2010 Paper III © 2011 Paper IV © 2011 Book Chapter © 2011 Printed by AJ E-print AB Stockholm, Sweden, 2011 TRITA-CHE-Report 2011:19 ISSN 1654-1081 ISBN 978-91-7415-899-1 www.kth.se To My Family ANTIMICROBIAL POLYMER COMPOSITES FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS PETER KAALI Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology Chemical Science and Engineering Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden ISBN 978-91-7415-899-1, ISSN 1654-1081, TRITA-CHE-Report 2011:19 ABSTRACT The current study and discuss the long-term properties of biomedical polymers in vitro and in vivo and presents means to design and manufacture antimicrobial composites. Antimicrobial composites with reduced tendency for biofilm formation should lead to lower risk for medical device associated infection. The first part analyse in vivo degradation of invasive silicone rubber tracheostomy tubes and presents degradation mechanism, degradation products and the estimated lifetime of the materials.. It was found that silicone tubes undergo hydrolysis during the long-term exposure in vivo, which in turn results in decreased stability of the polymer due to surface alterations and the formation of low molecular weight compounds.
    [Show full text]
  • Solution-Mediated Modulation of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Biofilm Formation by a Cationic Synthetic Polymer
    antibiotics Article Solution-Mediated Modulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Formation by a Cationic Synthetic Polymer Leanna L. Foster 1, Shin-ichi Yusa 2 and Kenichi Kuroda 1,3,* 1 Macromolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; [email protected] 2 Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Hyogo, 2167 Shosha, Himeji, Hyogo 671-2280, Japan; [email protected] 3 Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 18 April 2019; Accepted: 8 May 2019; Published: 10 May 2019 Abstract: Bacterial biofilms and their associated infections are a continuing problem in the healthcare community. Previous approaches utilizing anti-biofilm coatings suffer from short lifetimes, and their applications are limited to surfaces. In this research, we explored a new approach to biofilm prevention based on the hypothesis that changing planktonic bacteria behavior to result in sub-optimal biofilm formation. The behavior of planktonic Pseudomonas aeruginosa exposed to a cationic polymer was characterized for changes in growth behavior and aggregation behavior, and linked to resulting P.aeruginosa biofilm formation, biomass, viability,and metabolic activity. The incubation of P.aeruginosa planktonic bacteria with a cationic polymer resulted in the aggregation of planktonic bacteria, and a reduction in biofilm development. We propose that cationic polymers may sequester planktonic bacteria away from surfaces, thereby preventing their attachment and suppressing biofilm formation. Keywords: biofilms; antimicrobial polymers; materials 1. Introduction Synthetic surfaces of medical devices and implants are susceptible to microbial colonization and biofilm formation [1–5], which contribute to at least 60% of healthcare-acquired infections [6].
    [Show full text]
  • Antimicrobial Polymers in Solution and on Surfaces: Overview and Functional Principles
    Polymers 2012, 4, 46-71; doi:10.3390/polym4010046 OPEN ACCESS polymers ISSN 2073-4360 www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers Review Antimicrobial Polymers in Solution and on Surfaces: Overview and Functional Principles Felix Siedenbiedel and Joerg C. Tiller * BCI, TU Dortmund, Emil-Figge-Str. 66, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; E-Mail: [email protected] * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: [email protected]; Tel.: +49-231-755-2479; Fax: +49-231-755-2480. Received: 28 November 2011; in revised form: 23 December 2011 / Accepted: 4 January 2012 / Published: 9 January 2012 Abstract: The control of microbial infections is a very important issue in modern society. In general there are two ways to stop microbes from infecting humans or deteriorating materials—disinfection and antimicrobial surfaces. The first is usually realized by disinfectants, which are a considerable environmental pollution problem and also support the development of resistant microbial strains. Antimicrobial surfaces are usually designed by impregnation of materials with biocides that are released into the surroundings whereupon microbes are killed. Antimicrobial polymers are the up and coming new class of disinfectants, which can be used even as an alternative to antibiotics in some cases. Interestingly, antimicrobial polymers can be tethered to surfaces without losing their biological activity, which enables the design of surfaces that kill microbes without releasing biocides. The present review considers the working mechanisms of antimicrobial polymers and of contact-active antimicrobial surfaces based on examples of recent research as well as on multifunctional antimicrobial materials. Keywords: antimicrobial polymers; antimicrobial surfaces; biocides; bacteria; fungi 1.
    [Show full text]
  • LIFE Antimicrobial Polymer Additives
    LIFE Antimicrobial Polymer Additives Life Material Technologies Limited is the leading supplier of antimicrobial additives for polymer applications, offering a wide range of silver inorganics, synthetic organics, and natural botanics. The additives have global registrations, are effective against bacteria, fungi and algae, and are supplied as powders, liquids, and pelletized masterbatches Antimicrobial additives are widely used in polymers to protect against the growth of micro-organisms: • Fiber manufacturers are using • Antimicrobial additives are them to stop growth of bacteria used in plastics for kitchens and that cause bad smell in clothing. other food handling areas where people are concerned about • Makers of PU- and PVC-coated contamination. textiles are using antimicrobials to stop the growth of stain- • Food packaging manufacturers causing fungi. are starting to use antimicrobials to help extend shelf life of • Antimicrobials are widely used certain foods. in medical polymers to reduce the presence of microbes in LIFE supplies antimicrobial hospitals. additives for these and many other applications. • Home appliance companies are using antimicrobials in plastic parts to eliminate smell in air conditioners and washing machines. LIFE’s antimicrobial polymer additives comply with the requirements of the European Union’s Biocidal Products Regulation 528/2012, which is administered by the European Chemical Agency, and the US Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, which is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency. LIFE supplies products in powder, liquid and pelletized masterbatch form for film blowing, fiber and sheet extrusion, rotational molding, injection molding, and compression molding. LIFE has the broadest offering of antimicrobial polymer additives in the marketplace, covering three major categories: Silver Inorganics: This group and algae, and can also deliver of inorganic additives uses the strong antibacterial activity.
    [Show full text]
  • The Antimicrobial Activity and Cellular Pathways Targeted by P-Anisaldehyde and Epigallocatechin Gallate in the Opportunistic Human Pathogen Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
    The University of Southern Mississippi The Aquila Digital Community Faculty Publications 12-6-2019 The Antimicrobial Activity and Cellular Pathways Targeted By p-anisaldehyde and Epigallocatechin Gallate in the Opportunistic Human Pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa Yetunde Adewumni University of Southern Mississippi Sanchirmaa Namjilsuren University of Southern Mississippi William D. Walker University of Southern Mississippi Dahlia N. Amato University of Southern Mississippi Douglas V. Amato University of Southern Mississippi FSeeollow next this page and for additional additional works authors at: https:/ /aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs Part of the Microbiology Commons Recommended Citation Adewumni, Y., Namjilsuren, S., Walker, W. D., Amato, D. N., Amato, D. V., Mavrodi, O. V., Patton, D. L., Mavrodi, D. V. (2019). The Antimicrobial Activity and Cellular Pathways Targeted By p-anisaldehyde and Epigallocatechin Gallate in the Opportunistic Human Pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/16858 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by The Aquila Digital Community. It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of The Aquila Digital Community. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Authors Yetunde Adewumni, Sanchirmaa Namjilsuren, William D. Walker, Dahlia N. Amato, Douglas V. Amato, Olga V. Mavrodi, Derek L. Patton, and Dmitri V. Mavrodi This article is available at The Aquila Digital Community: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/16858 1 2 The antimicrobial activity and cellular pathways targeted by p-anisaldehyde and 3 epigallocatechin gallate in the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 4 5 Yetunde Adewunmi1, Sanchirmaa Namjilsuren1, William D. Walker2, Dahlia N.
    [Show full text]
  • Antibacterial Polymers: a Mechanistic Overview
    Antibacterial Polymers: A Mechanistic Overview Ao Chen,1,3 Hui Peng,1,3Idriss Blakey,1,2 Andrew K. Whittaker1,2,3* 1Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane Qld 4072 2Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane Qld 4072 3ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nanoscience and Technology Bacterial fouling on surfaces is considered a major problem in modern society. Conventional methods to prevent biofilm formation often have little effect and may induce further contamination. In response to this challenge, antibacterial polymers have been designed and applied as an alternative approach to kill or inhibit bacteria and prevent the formation of biofilm. These polymers can be grouped into three broad classes, namely antibiotic-releasing polymers, polymeric antibiotics and antibiotic polymers. Antibiotic polymers are effective against bacteria both in solution and as coatings, through different mechanisms of action. In order to enhance their efficacy, antibacterial polymers have been designed with single or combined antibacterial and antibiofouling actions. The current review summarizes the mechanisms of action of antibacterial polymers, especially antibiotic polymers, both in solution and as coatings. It also discusses the antibacterial polymers with multiple functionalities. KEYWORDS: Antibacterial polymers, biofilms, mechanisms of action, testing 1. Introduction 1 Microbial fouling on the surface of materials is one of the major causes of poor hygiene. Such
    [Show full text]
  • Fast Disinfecting Antimicrobial Surfaces
    1060 Langmuir 2009, 25, 1060-1067 Fast Disinfecting Antimicrobial Surfaces Ahmad E. Madkour,† Jeffery M. Dabkowski,†,‡ Klaus Nu¨sslein,‡ and Gregory N. Tew*,† Department of Polymer Science & Engineering and Department of Microbiology, UniVersity of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003 ReceiVed September 8, 2008. ReVised Manuscript ReceiVed October 30, 2008 Silicon wafers and glass surfaces were functionalized with facially amphiphilic antimicrobial copolymers using the “grafting from” technique. Surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was used to grow poly(butylmethacrylate)-co-poly(Boc-aminoethyl methacrylate) from the surfaces. Upon Boc-deprotection, these surfaces became highly antimicrobial and killed S. aureus and E. coli 100% in less than 5 min. The molecular weight and grafting density of the polymer were controlled by varying the polymerization time and initiator surface density. Antimicrobial studies showed that the killing efficiency of these surfaces was independent of polymer layer thickness or grafting density within the range of surfaces studied. Introduction were successfully applied as antimicrobial layers over glass14 15 Hospital-acquired infections pose a major global healthcare and poly(ethylene terephthalate) surfaces. Polymers containing issue. Over 2 million cases are reported annually in the USA QACs have been previously covalently attached onto different materials such as glass,14,16-19 polymers,20,21 paper,19 and alone, leading to 100 000 deaths and adding nearly 5 billion 22 dollars to U.S. healthcare costs.1,2 Contamination of medical metals. devices (catheters, implants, etc.) is responsible for 45% of these The killing mechanism of bacteria by those surfaces, and infections.3 Sources of infectious bacteria can be traced to surgical especially the effect of polymer length on killing efficiency, is equipment, medical staff clothing, resident bacteria on the patient’s still under debate.
    [Show full text]