A pH-responsive hydrogel with potent antibacterial activity against both aerobic and anaerobic pathogens

Biomater Sci. 2019 Jan 29;7(2):581-584. doi: 10.1039/c8bm01211c.

Abstract

Aminoglycosides are a family of antibiotics with a wide-spread antibacterial spectrum and high antibacterial activity. However, they are less effective against anaerobic pathogens due to the requirement of aerobic respiration to exert their antibacterial functions. Here, we prepared a pH-responsive hydrogel with potent antibacterial activities against both aerobic and anaerobic pathogens. The hydrogel was prepared by reacting oxidized dextran with aminoglycoside and an ornidazole analogue via an acid-labile Schiff base linkage. The prepared hydrogel was injectable, self-healing, biocompatible, and showed a pH-responsive drug release behavior. More importantly, the gel was efficient in killing both aerobic and anaerobic pathogens. This study provides a facile strategy to expand the antibacterial spectrum of aminoglycoside hydrogels.

MeSH terms

  • Aerobiosis
  • Anaerobiosis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Bacteria / growth & development
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Hydrogels / pharmacology*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Hydrogels