The antimicrobial peptide nisin has been shown to integrate into polyethylene oxide (PEO) brush layers without compromising protein repulsive character.  But questions remain surrounding the potential for compromised biological activity of the peptide owing to its surface immobilization in this way. When present in solution at physiologic pH and temperature, nisin was shown to retain activity against Pediococcus pentosaceus for up to 28 days, even at nanomolar concentrations.  In this work, nisin-loaded, covalently stabilized PEO coatings were synthesized on silicon wafers as well as polyurethane catheter segments.  Coated materials were challenged with blood plasma for periods up to 28 days, at physiologic pH and temperature.  Surfaces were withdrawn at selected times and placed on plates inoculated with Staphylococcus epidermidis to measure kill zone radius in order to quantify nisin activity.  Multifunctional coatings based on entrapped nisin prospectively will improve endovascular device biocompatibility through reduction of infection as well as thrombosis.

Activity retention of nisin against <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i> after entrapment within pendant PEO brush layers

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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Activity retention of nisin against Staphylococcus epidermidis after entrapment within pendant PEO brush layers