Antibacterial Properties Research Articles

Fabrication of bioactive silk composite meshes for hernia repair and guided soft tissue remodeling: In silico, in vitro and in vivo models

ObjectivesPost-operative complications stemming from incompatible meshes often lead to delayed wound healing, seroma, infections, inappropriate tissue infiltration and pain. The present study was outlined to develop biocompatible composite hand-knitted silk meshes modified with polymers and natural extracts. Our study introduced hand-knitted B. mori silk fibroin as the primary mesh material, offering superior mechanical strength and biocompatibility. The spin-assisted dip coating achieved desirable morphology, internal structures, thickness, and surface roughness. Moreover, the application of biopolymeric composite coatings containing polymers and natural extracts introduced antimicrobial character, facilitated cell attachment, migration, proliferation, potentiating gene expression and accelerating the process of wound healing. These composite meshes are a viable solution for addressing post-op complications in hernia and soft tissue repair surgeries. MethodIn this study, 9 silk-based composite meshes (modified with polymeric-extract blends through spin-assisted dip coating) were successfully developed. Experimental variants were then subjected to various characterizations including SEM, DMA and chemical analysis (FTIR and GC-MS). Modified meshes were evaluated for their physiological characteristics and biological responses (the basic criterion for the selection of composite silk mesh). The biological testing included (antimicrobial susceptibility testing, in vitro cell viability assay, cell attachment assay (NIH3T3 and hUc-MSCs), in vitro cell migration, in vitro gene expression analysis with NIH3T3, in silico molecular docking with bioactive ligands of HE extract and in vivo analysis with PHBV-HE and PHBV-Control composite meshes in rat models. ResultsResults showed that all variants exhibited a multi-fiber morphology with significant surface coating, allowing for optimal drug release up to 72 h. This release facilitated antibacterial properties and biocompatibility, as evidenced by in vitro cell viability, migration assays and gene expression analysis. Among the variants, the PHBV-HE composite mesh demonstrated superior results. In the case of PHBV-coated polymeric controls, the SEM analysis concluded that the presence of coating reduced the pore size up to 39.62 % whereas, fiber diameter was increased by up to 19.89 % as compared to the control. The presence of a coating on the mesh improved the mechanical strength/modulus by 165.89 %, UTS by 185.38 % and reduced the % strain by 64.67 %. The fast release of HE from PHBV-HE composite mesh was 90.7% up to 72h, confirming that it can induce antibacterial activity against surgical infections. ConclusionPHBV-HE showed the highest cell viability, wound healing and gene expression. Based on appreciable biological evaluation results shown by PHBV-HE, in rat hernia models, only the PHBV-HE variant was tested for in-vivo analysis. Results confirmed its non-toxic nature and wound-healing abilities. Enhanced cell proliferation and wound healing observed both in vitro and in vivo indicated that PHBV-HE holds promise as a biomedical implant suggesting its potential for effective hernia and soft tissue repair and regeneration.

Corrosion-Resistant Organic Superamphiphobic Coatings

In recent years, organic superhydrophobic coatings have emerged as a promising direction for the protection of metal substrates due to their excellent liquid-repelling properties. Nonetheless, these coatings face challenges such as poor mechanical robustness and short service lives, which have limited their development and garnered attention from numerous researchers. Over time, researchers have gained a deeper understanding of superhydrophobic coatings and have published many related articles. Nevertheless, the lack of logical organization and systematic summarization of research focus in this field hinders its advancement. Therefore, the main purpose of this review is to clarify the design principles and working mechanisms of organic superhydrophobic coatings, as well as to summarize and synthesize the latest research on different aspects of superhydrophobic coatings, including liquid-repellent performance, wear resistance, adhesion, antibacterial properties, and self-healing properties. By employing decoupling mechanisms to study each performance aspect separately, this review aims to provide references for extending the service life of organic superhydrophobic coatings.

Acquisition of Resistance to PEGylated branched polyethylenimine Increases Pseudomonas aeruginosa Susceptibility to Aminoglycosides.

PEGylated branched polyethylenimine (PEG-BPEI) has antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. Exposure to PEG-BPEI through serial passage leads to resistant P. aeruginosa strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 600 Da BPEI and PEGylated 600 Da BPEI (PEG-BPEI) in the wild-type PAO1 strain is 16 µg/ml while, after 15 serial passages, the MIC increased to 1024 µg/mL. An additional 15 rounds ofpassage in the absence of BPEI or PEG-BPEI did not change the 1024 µg/mL MIC. Gentamicin, Neomycin, and Tobramycin, cationic antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis, have a 16-32 fold reduction of MIC values in PEG350-BPEI resistant strains, suggesting increased permeation. The influx of these antibiotics occurs using a self-mediated uptake mechanism, perhaps due to changes in the outer membrane Data show that resistance causes changes in genes related to outer membrane lipopolysaccharide (LPS) assembly. Mutations were noted in the gene coding for the polymerase Wzy that participates in the assembly of the O-antigen region. Other mutations were noted with wbpE and wbpI of the Wbp pathway responsible for the enzymatic synthesis of ManNAc(3NAc)A in the LPS of P. aeruginosa. These changes suggest thatPEG-BPEI resistance can be countered with antibiotics toprevent the emergence of PEG-BPEI resistant bacterial populations.

Biosynthesis and Biotechnological Synthesis of Hydroxytyrosol

Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a plant-derived phenolic compound, is recognized for its potent antioxidant capabilities alongside a spectrum of pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. These attributes have propelled HT into the spotlight as a premier nutraceutical and food additive, heralding a new era in health and wellness applications. Traditional methods for HT production, encompassing physico-chemical techniques and plant extraction, are increasingly being supplanted by biotechnological approaches. These modern methodologies offer several advantages, notably environmental sustainability, safety, and cost-effectiveness, which align with current demands for green and efficient production processes. This review delves into the biosynthetic pathways of HT, highlighting the enzymatic steps involved and the pivotal role of genetic and metabolic engineering in enhancing HT yield. It also surveys the latest progress in the biotechnological synthesis of HT, examining innovative strategies that leverage both genetically modified and non-modified organisms. Furthermore, this review explores the burgeoning potential of HT as a nutraceutical, underscoring its diverse applications and the implications for human health. Through a detailed examination of both the biosynthesis and biotechnological advances in HT production, this review contributes valuable insights to the field, charting a course towards the sustainable and scalable production of this multifaceted compound.

The Role of Curcumin in Oral Health and Diseases: A Systematic Review

Curcumin (Curcumin) belongs to the polyphenol family. It is extracted by drying the root of a plant of Asian origin, belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. The best-known species is Curcumincuma Longa. Curcumin has been recognized as having great therapeutic powers since ancient times. Studies on curcumin have since confirmed its powerful antioxidant properties, preventing both the formation of free radicals and their neutralization, having anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunological, and neuroprotective properties, as well as being a regulator of the intestinal microbiota with beneficial effects on the clinical manifestations of metabolic syndrome. Our study aimed to highlight how all these therapeutic aspects could benefit oral health, both preventing and improving the course of pathological processes. The effect of mouthwashes, and curcumin-based gels on the regulation of bacterial plaque and in the control of gingivitis, was largely comparable to that of using 0.20% chlorhexidine, with fewer side effects. Being a highly hydrophobic substance, it has a high permeability to cross the cell membrane. Bioavailability increases when combined with liposoluble substances (e.g., olive oil) and piperine, which improves absorption. Curcumin also has a negligible degree of toxicity, making it an excellent alternative to the use of gold standard products for oral disinfection.

Correlation between biomedical and structural properties of Zn/Sr modified calcium phosphates.

This study investigates the correlation between the biomedical and structural properties of Zn/Sr-modified Calcium Phosphates (ZnSr-CaPs) synthesized via the sol-gel combustion method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the presence of Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 (HAp), CaCO3, and Ca(OH)2 phases in the undoped sample, while the additional phase, Ca3(PO4)2 (β-TCP) was formed in modified samples. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analysis demonstrated the incorporation of Sr into the lattice, with a preference for occupying the Ca1 sites in the HAp matrix. The introduction of Zn, furthermore, led to the formation of ZnO and CaZnO2 species. The ZnSr-CaPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species by ZnO, the oxidation reaction of CaZnO2, and the presence of Sr ions. Cytotoxicity tests revealed a correlation between the variation in ZnO content and cellular viability, with lower ZnO concentrations corresponding to higher cell viability. Additionally, the cooperative effects of Zn and Sr ions were found to enhance the bioactivity of CaPs, despite ZnO hindering the apatite formation process. These findings contribute to the deep understanding of the diverse role in modulating the antibacterial, cytotoxic, and bioactive properties of ZnSr-CaPs, offering potential applications in the field of biomaterials.

A Wound Exudate‐Activated Yarn Battery for Antimicrobial Electrical Fabric Dressing

AbstractExcessive inflammation poses a major challenge to wound care, with massive exudation and bacterial infection being the prominent factors contributing to the inflammation. Current biomaterials can achieve passive or interactive wound repair through exudate absorption and anti‐infection. However, they cannot actively modulate the cellular behavior associated with skin wound repair. Inspired by the endogenous electric field (EF), the present study develops an antimicrobial and self‐powered electrical fabric dressing (EFD). An EFD with multifunctional properties of wound exudate collection, anti‐infection, and self‐powered electrical stimulation (ES) is assembled via weaving a series of hydrophilically modified cotton yarn‐based batteries. Upon contact with the wound, EFD absorbs the wound exudate owing to its high hydrophilicity and utilizes it as the natural electrolyte to activate the battery. With the endogenous power supply, the ES‐promoted polarization of macrophage, as well as the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts, enhancing the active wound repair process. Moreover, the dressings exhibit excellent antibacterial properties, attributable to the synergistic effects of the cationic polymer brushes on the cotton yarn and the anodic by‐product (magnesium hydroxide) during discharging. Thus, the wound exudate‐activated EFD can effectively manage wound exudates, prevent bacterial infection, and provide self‐powered electrotherapy to facilitate active wound tissue repair.

Combination of Chromatographic Analysis and Chemometric Methods with Bioactivity Evaluation of the Antibacterial Properties of Helichrysum italicum Essential Oil

Helichrysum italicum (immortelle) essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils worldwide and it has many beneficial properties, including antimicrobial. However, in this plant, the chemical diversity of the essential oil is very pronounced. The aim of this work was to process the GC-MS results of four samples of H. italicum essential oil of Serbian origin by chemometric tools, and evaluate the antimicrobial activity in vitro and in silico. Overall, 47 compounds were identified, the most abundant were γ-curcumene, α-pinene, and ar-curcumene, followed by α-ylangene, neryl acetate, trans-caryophyllene, italicene, α-selinene, limonene, and italidiones. Although the four samples of H. italicum essential oil used in this study were obtained from different producers in Serbia, they belong to the type of essential oil rich in sesquiterpenes (γ-curcumene and ar-curcumene chemotype). In vitro antimicrobial potential showed that five were sensitive among ten strains of tested microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Candida albicans. Therefore, these microorganism models were used further for in silico molecular docking through the mechanism of ATP-ase inhibitory activity. Results showed that among all compounds from H. italicum essential oil, neryl acetate has the highest predicted binding energy. Artificial neural network modeling (ANN) showed that two major compounds γ-curcumene and α-pinene, as well as minor compounds such as trans-β-ocimene, terpinolene, terpinene-4-ol, isoitalicene, italicene, cis-α-bergamotene, trans-α-bergamotene, italidiones, trans-β-farnesene, γ-selinene, β-selinene, α-selinene, and guaiol are responsible for the antimicrobial activity of H. italicum essential oil. The results of this study indicate that H. italicum essential oil samples rich in γ-curcumene, α-pinene, and ar-curcumene cultivated in Serbia (Balkan) have antimicrobial potential both in vitro and in silico. In addition, according to ANN modeling, the proportion of neryl acetate and other compounds detected in these samples has the potential to exhibit antimicrobial activity.

Preparation and Characterization of Nanofiber Coatings on Bone Implants for Localized Antimicrobial Activity Based on Sustained Ion Release and Shape-Preserving Design

Titanium (Ti), as a hard tissue implant, is facing a big challenge for rapid and stable osseointegration owing to its intrinsic bio-inertness. Meanwile, surface-related infection is also a serious threat. In this study, large-scale quasi-vertically aligned sodium titanate nanowire (SNW) arrayed coatings incorporated with bioactive Cu2+ ions were fabricated through a compound process involving acid etching, hydrothermal treatment (HT), and ion exchange (IE). A novel coating based on sustained ion release and a shape-preserving design is successfully obtained. Cu2+ substituted Na+ in sodium titanate lattice to generate Cu-doped SNW (CNW), which maintains the micro-structure and phase components of the original SNW, and can be efficiently released from the structure by immersing them in physiological saline (PS) solutions, ensuring superior long-term structural stability. The synergistic effects of the acid etching, bidirectional cogrowth, and solution-strengthening mechanisms endow the coating with higher bonding strengths. In vitro antibacterial tests demonstrated that the CNW coatings exhibited effective good antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria based on the continuous slow release of copper ions. This is an exciting attempt to achieve topographic, hydrophilic, and antibacterial activation of metal implants, demonstrating a paradigm for the activation of coatings without dissolution and providing new insights into insoluble ceramic-coated implants with high bonding strengths.

Potential Use of Jerangau Rhizome (Acorus calamus L.) as an Antibacterial Agent for Streptococcus pneumoniae

Aims: The empirical use of jerangau rhizomes for treating pneumonia in Indonesia should be verified through scientific research. Study design: The experimental use of Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) bacteria and jerangau (Acorus calamus L.) rhizome extract (JRE). Place Study: Pharmacy Department, Poltekkes Kemenkes Makassar, Indonesia. Methodology: Antibacterial activity was assessed using liquid dilution and agar diffusion methods. Results: The antibacterial activity of JRE against SP was determined to be effective at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 4%, and 8% w/v. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum kill concentration (MKC) were found to be 0.5% and 1% in HJ, >2.5% at EJ, and 0.25% and 0.5% at EAJ. Conclusion: JRE has demonstrated antibacterial properties against SP in vitro.

Insights into the potential dual-antibacterial mechanism of Kelisha capsule on Escherichia coli

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), AYURVEDA and Indian medicine are essential in disease prevention and treatment. Kelisha capsule (KLSC), a TCM formula listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, has been clinically proven to possess potent antibacterial properties. However, the precise antimicrobial mechanism of KLSC remained unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the dual antibacterial mechanism of KLSC using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. By analyzing the growth curve of Escherichia coli (E. coli), it was observed that KLSC significantly inhibited its growth, showcasing a remarkable antibacterial effect. Furthermore, SEM and TEM analysis revealed that KLSC damaged the cell wall and membrane of E. coli, resulting in cytoplasmic leakage, bacterial death, and the exertion of antibacterial effects. The network pharmacology analysis revealed that KLSC exhibited an effect on E. coli ATP synthase, thereby influencing the energy metabolism process. The molecular docking outcomes provided evidence that the active compounds of KLSC could effectively bind to the ATP synthase subunit. Subsequently, experimental findings substantiated that KLSC effectively suppressed the activity of ATP synthase in E. coli and consequently decreased the ATP content. This study highlighted the dual antibacterial mechanism of KLSC, emphasizing its effects on cell structure and energy metabolism, suggesting its potential as a natural antibacterial agent for E. coli-related infections. These findings offered new insights into exploring the antibacterial mechanisms of TCM by focusing on the energy metabolism process.

ZIF-8@Hydroxyapatite Composite as a High Potential Material for Prolonged Delivery of Agrochemicals.

Although agrochemical practices can enhance agricultural productivity, their intensive application has resulted in the deterioration of ecosystems. Therefore, it is necessary to develop more efficient and less toxic methods against pests and infections while improving crop productivity. Moving toward sustainable development, in this work, we originally described the preparation of a composite (ZIF-8@HA) consisting of the coating of zeolitic-like metal-organic framework (MOF) ZIF-8 (based on Zn, an essential micronutrient in plants with antibacterial, antifungal, and antifouling properties) with hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles (i.e., nanofertilizer). The interaction between the HA and ZIF-8 has been characterized through a combination of techniques, such as microscopic techniques, where the presence of a HA coating is demonstrated; or by analysis of the surface charge with a dramatic change in the Z-potential (from +18.7 ± 0.8 to -27.6 ± 0.7 mV for ZIF-8 and ZIF-8@HA, respectively). Interestingly, the interaction of HA with ZIF-8 delays the MOF degradation (from 4 h for pristine ZIF-8 to 168 h for HA-coated material), providing a slower and gradual release of zinc. After a comprehensive characterization, the potential combined fertilizer and bactericidal effect of ZIF-8@HA was investigated in wheat (Triticum aestivum) seeds and Pseudomonas syringae (Ps). ZIF-8@HA (7.3 ppm) demonstrated a great fertilizer effect, increasing shoot (9.4 %) and root length (27.1 %) of wheat seeds after 11 days at 25 °C under dark conditions, improving the results obtained with HA, ZIF-8, or ZnSO4 or even physically mixed constituents (HA + ZIF-8). It was also effective in the growth inhibition (>80 % of growth inhibition) of Ps, a vegetal pathogen causing considerable crop decline. Therefore, this work demonstrates the potential of MOF@HA composites and paves the way as a promising agrochemical with improved fertilizer and antibacterial properties.

Mesenchymal cells as the biological modifiers for stimulation and regulation of cellular and molecular healing and regeneration

Biologic modifiers are materials or proteins and factors that have the potential to alter the host tissue so as to stimulate or regulate the wound healing process. Classic examples of biologic modifiers are growth factors. Bioengineered materials are widely utilized due to their biocompatibility and degradability, as well as their moisturizing and antibacterial properties. One field of their application in medicine is to treat wounds by promoting tissue regeneration and improving wound healing. In addition to creating a physical and chemical barrier against primary infection, the mechanical stability of the porous structure of biomaterials provides an extracellular matrix (ECM)-like niche for cells. Growth factors are polypeptide molecules that control the growth, differentiation, and metabolism of cells during each of the three phases of wound healing. They are present throughout the body in only minute concentrations yet exert a powerful local influence on wound repair. They interact with specific receptors in the cell surface, leading to specific responses determined by the receptor-mediated signal transduction pathways within the target cells. Growth factors (GFs) and cytokines, which are secreted by the cells, are essential parts of the complex process of tissue regeneration and wound healing.

Dextran-Based Antibacterial Hydrogel Dressings for Accelerating Infected Wound Healing by Reducing Inflammation Levels.

Infected wounds pose challenges such as exudate management, bacterial infections, and persistent inflammation, making them a significant challenge for modern dressings. To address these issues in infected wounds more effectively, we have developed aerogel-hydrogel biphase gels (AHB-gel) based on Dextran (Dex). The gel introduced in this study exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in the process of wound therapy, contributing to accelerate wound healing. The aerogel phase exhibits exceptional water-absorption capabilities, rapidly soaking up exudate from infected wound, thereby fostering a clean and hygienic wound healing microenvironment. Concurrently, the aerogel phase is enriched with hydrogen sulfide donors. Following water absorption and the formation of the hydrogel phase, it enables the sustained release of hydrogen sulfide around the wound sites. The experiments confirmed that hydrogen sulfide, by promoting M2 macrophage differentiation and reducing the levels of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α, effectively diminishes local inflammation levels at the wound site. Furthermore, the sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC) component within the hydrogel phase demonstrates effective antibacterial properties through photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (PAT), providing a viable solution to wound infection challenges. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Accessing the Medicinal Potential of Mallotus philippensis: Comprehensive Exploration of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties through Phytochemical Analysis and Extraction Techniques

Accessing the Medicinal Potential of Mallotus philippensis: Comprehensive Exploration of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties through Phytochemical Analysis and Extraction Techniques

Influence of Plastic Deformation and Hydroxyapatite Coating on Structure, Mechanical, Corrosion, Antibacterial and Cell Viability Properties of Zinc Based Biodegradable Alloys

Influence of Plastic Deformation and Hydroxyapatite Coating on Structure, Mechanical, Corrosion, Antibacterial and Cell Viability Properties of Zinc Based Biodegradable Alloys

In-silico analysis of ribosome inactivating protein (RIP) of the Cucurbitaceae family.

Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are highly active N-glycosidases that depurinate both bacterial and eukaryotic rRNAs, halting protein synthesis during translation. Found in a diverse spectrum of plant species and tissues, RIPs possess antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and insecticidal properties linked to plant defense. In this study, we investigated the physiochemical properties of RIP peptides from the Cucurbitaceae family through bioinformatics approaches. Molecular weight, isoelectric point, aliphatic index, extinction coefficient, and secondary structures were analyzed, revealing their hydrophobic nature. The novelty of this work lies in the comprehensive examination of RIPs from the Cucurbitaceae family and their potential therapeutic applications. The study also elucidated the binding interactions of Cucurbitaceae RIPs with key biological targets, including Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Strong hydrogen bond interactions between RIPs and these targets suggest potential for innovative insilico drug design and therapeutic applications, particularly in cancer treatment. Comprehensive analysis of bond lengths using Ligpolt + software provides insights for optimizing molecular interactions, offering a valuable tool for drug design and structural biology studies.

Pistacia lentiscus: Phytochemistry and Antidiabetic Properties

Pistacia lentiscus L. (P. lentiscus) is an evergreen shrub (Anacardiaceae family) primarily found in the Mediterranean region. The plant has been thoroughly characterized, resulting in a high concentration of bioactive compounds as flavonoids and phenolics. Moreover, P. lentiscus was revealed to possess a great nutritional and industrial importance because of its variety of biological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic and antioxidant properties. Many of its beneficial health properties and applications date back to antiquity, and the European Medicines Agency officially acknowledged it as an herbal medicinal product. Indeed, it is widely employed in conventional medicine to treat several diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2D). On this basis, this review aims to summarize and describe the chemical composition of different parts of the plant and highlight the potential of P. lentiscus, focusing on its antidiabetic activities. The plant kingdom is drawing increasing attention because of its complexity of natural molecules in the research of novel bioactive compounds for drug development. In this context, P. lentiscus demonstrated several in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic effects, acting upon many therapeutic T2D targets. Therefore, the information available in this review highlighted the multitarget effects of P. lentiscus and its great potential in T2D treatment.

In silico-designed antimicrobial peptide targeting MRSA and E. coli with antibacterial and antibiofilm actions.

Antibiotic resistance is a paramount global health issue, with numerous bacterial strains continually fortifying their resistance against diverse antibiotics. This surge in resistance levels primarily stems from the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human, animal, and environmental contexts. In this study, we advocate for exploring alternative molecules exhibiting antibacterial properties to counteract the escalating antibiotic resistance. We identified a synthetic antimicrobial peptide (AMP) by using computational search in AMP public databases and further engineering through molecular docking and dynamics. Microbiological evaluation, cytotoxicity, genotoycity, and hemolysis experiments were then performed. The designed AMP underwent rigorous testing for antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), representing gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, respectively. Subsequently, the safety profile of the AMP was assessed in vitro using human fibroblast cells and a human blood sample. The selected AMP demonstrated robust antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy against MRSA and E. coli, with an added assurance of non-cytotoxicity and non-genotoxicity towards human fibroblasts. Also, the AMP did not demonstrate any hemolytic activity. Our findings emphasize the considerable promise of the AMP as a viable alternative antibacterial agent, showcasing its potential to combat antibiotic resistance effectively.

Microneedles for Enhanced Bacterial Pathogen Inactivation and Accelerated Wound Healing

AbstractBacterial wound infections are a significant socioeconomic concern in the modern healthcare industry owing to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stay, and mortality. Bacterial infectious agents that colonize the wound bed develop biofilms, acting as a physical barrier that prevents the effective penetration of topical antimicrobials. Further, bacteria in such infectious wounds express a wide range of virulence factors promoting intercellular transmigration and host cell invasion complicating the treatment regimen. To address this need, a water‐dissolvable poly‐vinyl pyrrolidine (PVP), calcium peroxide (CPO) infused microneedle structure (denoted as PVP/CPO MN) for effective transdermal delivery of antimicrobial payload deep into the tissues is developed. Fluid exudate from the wound bed dissolves the PVP/CPO MN enabling the release of CPO deep into the infected wound bed. A slow catalytic decomposition of CPO results in the sustained release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) deep within the infected wound inhibiting the inter‐ and intracellular pathogens. Here, a systematic study of microneedle fabrication and sterilization after complete packaging is conducted to ensure scalability and safe applicability while maintaining mechanical and antibacterial properties. In vitro, antibacterial efficacy of the microneedles is validated against two common wound pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Moreover, the PVP/CPO MN exhibited significant efficacy in eradicating both extracellular and intracellular bacterial populations within an in vivo porcine wound model. Additionally, the microneedle technology facilitated a faster wound healing, with ≈30% increase compared to control and a 15% improvement over conventional silver dressing.