Supramolecular Peptoid Structure Strengthens Complexation with Polyacrylic Acid Microgels

Biomacromolecules. 2024 Feb 12;25(2):1274-1281. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01242. Epub 2024 Jan 19.

Abstract

We have studied the complexation between cationic antimicrobials and polyanionic microgels to create self-defensive surfaces that responsively resist bacterial colonization. An essential property is the stable sequestration of the loaded (complexed) antimicrobial within the microgel under a physiological ionic strength. Here, we assess the complexation strength between poly(acrylic acid) [PAA] microgels and a series of cationic peptoids that display supramolecular structures ranging from an oligomeric monomer to a tetramer. We follow changes in loaded microgel diameter with increasing [Na+] as a measure of the counterion doping level. Consistent with prior findings on colistin/PAA complexation, we find that a monomeric peptoid is fully released at ionic strengths well below physiological conditions, despite its +5 charge. In contrast, progressively higher degrees of peptoid supramolecular structure display progressively greater resistance to salting out, which we attribute to the greater entropic stability associated with the complexation of multimeric peptoid bundles.

MeSH terms

  • Acrylic Resins / chemistry
  • Anti-Infective Agents* / chemistry
  • Cations
  • Microgels*
  • Peptoids* / chemistry

Substances

  • Microgels
  • Peptoids
  • carbopol 940
  • Acrylic Resins
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Cations