Peptide-Ruthenium Conjugate as an Efficient Photosensitizer for the Inactivation of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Inorg Chem. 2020 Oct 19;59(20):14866-14870. doi: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c02491. Epub 2020 Sep 29.

Abstract

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) has gained increased attention because of its broad spectrum activity and lower likelihood to elicit bacterial resistance. Although many photosensitizers excel at eradicating Gram-positive bacterial infections, they are generally less potent when utilized against Gram-negative bacteria. We hypothesized that conjugating the DNA-targeting, antimicrobial peptide buforin II to a metal-based photosensitizer would result in a potent APDT agent. Herein, we present the synthesis and characterization of a buforin II-[Ru(bpy)3]2+ bioconjugate (1). The submicromolar activity of 1 against the multidrug-resistant strains Escherichia coli AR 0114 and Acinetobacter baumannii Naval-17 indicates strong synergy between the ruthenium complex and buforin II. Our mechanistic studies point to an increased rate of DNA damage by 1 compared to [Ru(bpy)3]2+. These results suggest that conjugating metal complexes to antimicrobial peptides can lead to potent antimicrobial agents.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / radiation effects
  • Coordination Complexes / chemical synthesis
  • Coordination Complexes / pharmacology*
  • Coordination Complexes / radiation effects
  • DNA Damage / drug effects
  • DNA, Superhelical / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial / drug effects*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple / drug effects*
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / drug effects
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Photosensitizing Agents / pharmacology*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / radiation effects
  • Proteins / chemical synthesis
  • Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Ruthenium / chemistry
  • Ruthenium / radiation effects
  • Singlet Oxygen / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Coordination Complexes
  • DNA, Superhelical
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Proteins
  • buforin II
  • Singlet Oxygen
  • Ruthenium