Polymeric stimuli-responsive nanocarriers are discussed as promising drug delivery systems. They can also be used as containers for active compounds in other biomedical applications, such as wound dressings. In this context, we work on the implementation of in situ infection diagnostics in wound dressings that may also treat bacterial infection. Dressings for burn wounds are not only essential for proper healing and the prevention of scarring, but may contribute to reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance from prophylactic administration of broadband antibiotics. In particular, we synthesized and investigated vesicles of amphiphilic block copolymers (polymersomes). Various PEG-b-PCL, PEG-b-PLA and novel hyaluronic acid-block-polycaprolactone and hyaluronic acid-block-poly(lactic acid) copolymers were obtained and assembled into vesicles. Since hyaluronic acid is digested by the enzyme hyaluronidase that is excreted by the bacterium staphylococcus aureus, the polymersomes are opened by the bacterial enzymes in infected wounds. The response of dye-loaded polymersomes to bacterial enzymes was investigated showing a pronounced lightup effect. In addition, the stability of the vesicles in different media and storage conditions was tested, as well as the sterilization and cytotoxicity. Finally, using confocal fluorescence lifetime microscopy the characteristic time constants for drying and rehydration and their dependence on the vesicle sizes were unraveled. The hyaluronic acid containing polymersomes show all the required properties for potential application in advanced infection signaling, responsive wound dressings.

Synthesis, properties, and response of novel biodegradable block copolymer vesicles for infection signaling wound dressings

246th National Meeting (2013)

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