Main-Chain Sulfonium-Containing Homopolymers with Negligible Hemolytic Toxicity for Eradication of Bacterial and Fungal Biofilms

ACS Macro Lett. 2021 Dec 21;10(12):1643-1649. doi: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.1c00698. Epub 2021 Dec 10.

Abstract

Antimicrobials against planktonic cells and established biofilms at low doses are in increasing demand to tackle antibiotic-resistant biofilm infections. As a promising alternative to antibiotics, cationic polymers can effectively kill planktonic microbes but usually require high concentrations to eradicate the established biofilms. Herein, we developed a series of sulfonium-based homopolymers with cationic sulfoniums and alkane spacers in the main chain. These polysulfoniums presented effective activity against planktonic fungi (Candida albicans) and bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) with minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) of 0.5-32 μg/mL, and the optimal composition can provide an 80-90% reduction in biofilm mass and >99% killing of Candida albicans and Escherichia coli cells in 3-day mature biofilms at 2 × MIC as well as steadily low hemolytic toxicity. The influence of amphiphilicity and charge density of polysulfonium homopolymers on their antimicrobial activity against planktonic microbes and mature biofilms was investigated to provide insights for effective antimicrobial polymer design.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Infective Agents* / pharmacology
  • Biofilms*
  • Escherichia coli
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Plankton
  • Polymers / pharmacology
  • Staphylococcus aureus

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Polymers