Synergistic Poly(lactic acid) Antibacterial Surface Combining Superhydrophobicity for Antiadhesion and Chlorophyll for Photodynamic Therapy

Abstract

The problem of nosocomial infections caused by bacterial growth on material surfaces is an urgent threat to public health. Although numerous materials and methods have been explored to fight against infections, the methods are complicated and the materials are slightly toxic. It is highly desirable to develop an antibacterial strategy that kills bacteria effectively without drug resistance and cytotoxicity. Herein, we present a synergistic antibacterial polylactic acid (PLA) surface with superhydrophobic antibacterial adhesion and photodynamic bactericidal activity. Initially, the surface displayed low-adhesion superhydrophobicity and resisted most bacterial adhesion. Furthermore, completely non-toxic chlorophyll possessed excellent photodynamic bactericidal properties under non-toxic visible light, which was incorporated into micro-/nanoscale PLA surfaces. We achieved efficient antibacterial activity using completely non-toxic materials and a facile non-solvent-induced phase separation process. This non-toxic, simple, good biocompatible, and no drug-resistant strategy has great advantages in combating bacterial infections.

Recent advances in engineered polymeric materials for efficient photodynamic inactivation of bacterial pathogens

“…The incorporation of Chl does not influence the superhydrophobicity of PLA. The synergistic antibacterial PLA surface and mask exhibit tremendous antibacterial efficiency against S. aureus and E. coli , because of their superhydrophobicity and APDT performance under visible light illumination [ 126 ].…”

Recent nanotechnology-based strategies for interfering with the life cycle of bacterial biofilms

“…55,56 For example, Gege Wang et al endowed polylactic acid (PLA) surfaces with micron-/ nanoscale roughness via an adjusted exfoliation process to form superhydrophobic surfaces. 57 The results turned out that the PLA surfaces with a higher roughness value (Ra = 302 nm) presented higher water contact angles, while pristine PLA surfaces were smoother (Ra = 7.155 nm) and exhibited hydrophilicity.…”

Convergence of 3D Bioprinting and Nanotechnology in Tissue Engineering Scaffolds

“…Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable, bioabsorbable, thermoplastic aliphatic polyester. It is derived from renewable resources, contains repeating lactic acid units, and includes both D- and L-stereoisomers or be enantiomerically pure (e.g., PLLA contains only L stereocenters) [ 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ]. However, the poor mechanical properties limited its applications [ 53 , 54 ].…”