Abstract
The aim of our study was to obtain and evaluate the properties of polymeric coatings based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) embedded with magnetite nanoparticles functionalized with commercial antimicrobial drugs. In this respect, we firstly synthesized the iron oxide particles functionalized (@) with the antibiotic Cefepime (Fe3O4@CEF). In terms of composition and microstructure, the as-obtained powdery sample was investigated by means of grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively). Crystalline and nanosized particles (~5 nm mean particle size) with spherical morphology, consisting in magnetite core and coated with a uniform and reduced amount of antibiotic shell, were thus obtained. In vivo biodistribution studies revealed the obtained nanoparticles have a very low affinity for innate immune-related vital organs. Composite uniform and thin coatings based on poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and antibiotic-functionalized magnetite nanoparticles (PLGA/Fe3O4@CEF) were subsequently obtained by using the matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. Relevant compositional and structural features regarding the composite coatings were obtained by performing infrared microscopy (IRM) and SEM investigations. The efficiency of the biocompatible composite coatings against biofilm development was assessed for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens. The PLGA/Fe3O4@CEF materials proved significant and sustained anti-biofilm activity against staphylococcal and Escherichia coli colonisation.
Highlights
Given the alarming healthcare conditions related to microbial infection, tremendous interest has been straightened towards the development of novel antimicrobials
Magnetite nanoparticles were selected in this study thanks to the following motivation: (i) they can potentiate the therapeutic effects of sole antibiotic thanks to the specific nanosize-related properties, providing enhanced antibacterial activity at low drug concentrations; (ii) they can act as passive carriers of the antibiotic, since their sole release from the polymer matrix can result in an enhanced antibacterial efficiency; and (iii) they can act as active carriers of the antibiotic, since their eventual exposure to external magnetic fields can result in complete antibiotic release and, in enhanced antibacterial activity [69]
The present study reports the successful synthesis of biocompatible poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)/Fe3O4@Cefepime hydrochloride (CEF) composites as promising antibacterial coatings for implantable devices
Summary
Given the alarming healthcare conditions related to microbial infection, tremendous interest has been straightened towards the development of novel antimicrobials. The experimental development and implementation of novel formulations with specific and selective antimicrobial activity is gathering interest worldwide from both healthcare practitioners and scientists. Recent studies showed the improved antimicrobial efficiency of thin coatings based on ceramic, polymer, composite, and hybrid materials embedded with commercial or naturally-originated antimicrobials. When designing such particular coatings for implantable devices, micro- or nanosized materials represent suitable candidates, since many of the available choices are biocompatible and can by tailored for a particular therapeutic biosubstance and application
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