Multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) infections have emerged as a threat to public health. It has been estimated that MDR infections will result in 10 million casualties by 2050, overtaking cancer. Typically, bacteria accumulate to form biofilms. This biofilm hinders the penetration of antibiotics and facilitates development of drug resistance. Essential oils are a class of plant-derived phytochemicals which have excellent antimicrobial activity against dispersed bacteria. However, the utility of these phytochemicals as antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents is limited by their poor aqueous solubility and inherent stability issues. Herein, we report the fabrication of polymer-stabilized phytochemical nanosponges capable of effectively penetrating into biofilms. the antimicrobial properties of these nanosponges were further enhanced through loading small-molecule antimicrobials into the phytochemical payload. The incorporation of the antimicrobial agent inside the nanosponge results in an additive/synergistic combinations for treatment of biofilm-associated infections, providing complete elimination of bacteria in biofilms.

Antimicrobial-loaded nanosponges for synergistic treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial biofilms

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.