Dual Functional Diblock Amino Acid Copolymer Displaying Synergistic Effect with Curcumin against MRSA and Encapsulation of Curcumin^†

Abstract

Comprehensive SummaryThe intensive use of antibiotics intensifies the development of bacterial resistance, which has become a serious problem globally. Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is an urgent need to develop new antimicrobial drugs and administration methods. Herein, we report a dual functional diblock copolymer PLL20‐b‐PBLG20, which was prepared by superfast and water‐insensitive polymerization on N‐carboxyanhydrides (NCA) initiated by tetraalkylammonium carboxylate. In addition to direct antimicrobial activity, PLL20‐b‐PBLG20 also exerts a synergistic bactericidal effect against MRSA with curcumin, a plant extract with antibacterial property. Moreover, PLL20‐b‐PBLG20 successfully encapsulates curcumin to form nanoparticles via self‐assembly. The combination of dual functional PLL20‐b‐PBLG20 and curcumin holds promise in combating MRSA infections.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

AMP-Mimetic Antimicrobial Polymer-Involved Synergic Therapy with Various Coagents for Improved Efficiency

“…To further address the issue of MRSA infections, they engineered a dual-functional diblock copolymer, poly(Llysine)-b-poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) (PLL 20 -b-PBLG 20 ). 51 This copolymer was synthesized through superfast and water-insensitive polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides (NCA) using tetraalkylammonium carboxylate as an initiator. They conducted a checkerboard assay to evaluate the efficacy of PLL 20 -b-PBLG 20 in conjunction with curcumin.…”

“…The mechanism, which damaged the bacterial membranes, ensured that the synergistic combination did not promote bacterial resistance even with continuous use. To further address the issue of MRSA infections, they engineered a dual-functional diblock copolymer, poly( l -lysine)- b -poly(γ-benzyl- l -glutamate) (PLL 20 - b -PBLG 20 ) . This copolymer was synthesized through superfast and water-insensitive polymerization of N -carboxyanhydrides (NCA) using tetraalkylammonium carboxylate as an initiator.…”