ABSTRACT
In this study, a new type of degradable polyphosphoester-based polymeric nanoparticle, capable of carrying silver cations via interactions with alkyne groups, has been developed as a potentially effective and safe treatment for lung infections. It was found that up to 15% (w/w) silver loading into the nanoparticles could be achieved, consuming most of the pendant alkyne groups along the backbone, as revealed by Raman spectroscopy. The well-defined Ag-loaded nanoparticles released silver in a controlled and sustained manner over 5 days, and displayed enhanced in vitro antibacterial activities against cystic fibrosis-associated pathogens and decreased cytotoxicity to human bronchial epithelial cells, in comparison to silver acetate.
Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Bacterial Infections/drug therapy , Biocompatible Materials/chemistry , Lung Diseases/drug therapy , Lung Diseases/microbiology , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Silver/chemistry , Acetates/chemistry , Bronchi/cytology , Cations , Cystic Fibrosis/drug therapy , Cystic Fibrosis/microbiology , Drug Delivery Systems , Drug Design , Epithelial Cells/cytology , Humans , Micelles , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Microscopy, Electron, Transmission , Nanotechnology , Polymers/chemistry , Silver Compounds/chemistry , Solubility , Spectrum Analysis, Raman , Water/chemistryABSTRACT
Amphiphilic polymer nanoparticles loaded with silver cations or/and N-heterocyclic carbene-silver complexes were assessed as antimicrobial agents against Gram-negative pathogens Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.