Infection of medical implants represents a serious clinical problem, caused by bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation at the implant interface. To prevent infection, we designed a set of catechol-functionalized peptide hydrogels that were inspired by the lysine- and DOPA-rich mussel foot protein. These supramolecular gels are designed to be injected during surgery to the implantation site and directly adhere and coat the implant substrate. Furthermore, utilizing the redox-activity of catecholic-DOPA residues, these gels kill bacteria by two mechanisms: via a direct contact mechanism between the polycationic gel and the bacterial cell surface, causing membrane disruption, and by DOPA-mediated production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a known antibacterial agent. Gels exhibit high bactericidal activity against clinically isolated gram-positive bacteria, including the notorious multidrug resistant bacteria, MRSA. We further showed how amino acid composition and peptide sequence can modify their antibacterial activity. Moreover, we characterized the ability of the gels to act as adhesives at the implant-tissue interface by utilizing lap-shear tensile strain tests. Collectively, these results indicate that DOPA-containing hydrogels hold promise as antibacterial adhesives, suitable for implantation at the tissue-implant interface.

Design of redox-active antibacterial peptide hydrogels to prevent implant-related infections

2019 Fall National Meeting

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