Poly(ε-lysine) dendrons as modulators of quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2015 May;26(5):176. doi: 10.1007/s10856-015-5508-1. Epub 2015 Apr 17.

Abstract

The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant contributor to recalcitrant multi-drug resistant infections. In a vigorous search for alternative therapeutic approaches, the communication system used by this bacterium to synchronise the expression of genes involved in pathogenicity has been identified as a potential target. Poly(ε-lysine) dendrons, composed of three branching generations, were examined herein for their anti-virulence potential and ability to disperse within P. a eruginosa biofilms. These hyperbranched macromolecules reduced attachment and biomass production under different nutrient growth conditions, and at concentrations that were not lethal to planktonic cells (0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/mL). Fluorescent labelling revealed the intracellular localisation and cell-penetrating capacity of the dendron, and showed the rapid uptake and release of unexploited dendron from pre-established P. a eruginosa biofilms. Additionally, the dendron induced complete attenuation of LasA protease, a marker of quorum sensing inactivation, by preventing its accumulation in the external environment. This study thus demonstrates the anti-virulence potential of this class of macromolecules, and could represent a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant P. a eruginosa infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Biofilms / drug effects
  • Biofilms / growth & development*
  • Cell Adhesion / drug effects
  • Cell Adhesion / physiology
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / physiology
  • Dendrimers / chemistry
  • Dendrimers / pharmacology
  • Materials Testing
  • Polylysine / chemistry*
  • Polylysine / pharmacology*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / physiology*
  • Quorum Sensing / drug effects
  • Quorum Sensing / physiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Dendrimers
  • Polylysine