Positively Charged Nanoaggregates Based on Zwitterionic Pillar[5]arene that Combat Planktonic Bacteria and Disrupt Biofilms
Graphical Abstract
Biofilm star: A multifunctional zwitterionic pillar[5]arene shows antibacterial ability against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (DH5α) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (SH1000) bacterial strains in solution. It also showed activity towards established biofilms and killed the biofilm-enclosed cells without rapid generation of resistance.
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are difficult to eradicate because they are less susceptible to antibiotics and more easily develop resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new materials that can combat planktonic bacteria and disrupt established biofilms. To tackle this challenge, we design a multifunctional zwitterionic pillar[5]arene, which can self-assemble into weakly positively charged nanoaggregates that exhibit antibacterial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (DH5α) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (SH1000) bacterial strains in solution. In addition, the zwitterionic pillar[5]arene can efficiently disrupt pre-existing Escherichia coli (DH5α) biofilms and kill the biofilm-enclosed bacteria without rapid generation of resistance.
