Infections caused by bacteria and other microbes are continued to be one of the most challenging problems that require continuous attention of the scientific community in handling the healthcare of society. This work is aimed to develop a biodegradable fluorescent theranostic nanoprobe for simultaneous visualization and quantitative determination of antibacterial activity as well as to understand the role of polymeric architectural aspects like topology, charge, and hydrophobicity for the treatment of bacterial infections. A new class of cationic polycaprolactone (PCL) was tailor-made and was selective towards Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) as compared to mice red blood cells (RBC) and wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblast (WT-MEF) cells with a selectivity index &gt;104. Anionic biomarker 8-hydroxy-pyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid (HPTS) was loaded in the cationic PCL NP via electrostatic interaction to yield a new fluorescent theranostic nanoprobe. Confocal image-based FRET probe technology was developed to study real-time, in-depth understanding of bacterial membrane breaching mechanism. Furthermore, a clinical broad-spectrum bacteriostatic drug (Azithromycin) was encapsulated in two classes of cationic polymer architectures (linear di-block and star di-block copolymer) to develop topology-directed drug delivery vehicles. This poster will be focused on the development of various polymeric nano-assemblies and understanding their antimicrobial action on E. coli.

Biodegradable polymer-based theranostic probes for antimicrobial activity

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

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