RESUMO
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) induced infection calls for antibacterial agents that are not prone to antimicrobial resistance. We prepare protease-resistant peptoid polymers with variable C-terminal functional groups using a ring-opening polymerization of N-substituted N-carboxyanhydrides (NNCA), which can provide peptoid polymers easily from the one-pot synthesis. We study the optimal polymer that displays effective activity against MRSA planktonic and persister cells, effective eradication of highly antibiotic-resistant MRSA biofilms, and potent anti-infectious performance in vivo using the wound infection model, the mouse keratitis model, and the mouse peritonitis model. Peptoid polymers show insusceptibility to antimicrobial resistance, which is a prominent merit of these antimicrobial agents. The low cost, convenient synthesis and structure diversity of peptoid polymers, the superior antimicrobial performance and therapeutic potential in treating MRSA infection altogether imply great potential of peptoid polymers as promising antibacterial agents in treating MRSA infection and alleviating antibiotic resistance.
Assuntos
Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Farmacorresistência Bacteriana/efeitos dos fármacos , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente à Meticilina/efeitos dos fármacos , Peptoides/farmacologia , Polímeros/farmacologia , Animais , Biofilmes/efeitos dos fármacos , Biopolímeros/química , Biopolímeros/farmacologia , Bactérias Gram-Positivas/efeitos dos fármacos , Camundongos , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Peptoides/química , Polimerização , Polímeros/química , Infecções Estafilocócicas/tratamento farmacológicoRESUMO
Therapeutic options to treat multidrug resistant bacteria, especially when present in biofilms, are limited due to their high levels of antibiotic resistance. Here, we report the anti-biofilm and immunomodulatory activities of the host defense peptide (HDP)-mimicking ß-peptide polymer (20:80 Bu:DM) and investigated its activity in vivo. The polymer outperformed antibiotics in the removal and reduction of the viability of established biofilms, achieving a maximum activity of around 80% reduction in viability. Interestingly the polymer also exhibited HDP-like immunomodulation in inducing chemokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines and suppressing lipopolysaccharide-induced proinflammatory cytokines. When tested in a murine, high-density skin infection model using P. aeruginosa LESB58, the polymer was effective in diminishing abscess size and reducing bacterial load. This study demonstrates the dual functionality of HDP-mimicking ß-peptide polymers in inhibiting biofilms and modulating innate immunity, as well as reducing tissue dermonecrosis.