mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used to create peptide-loaded nanoparticles to prevent bacterial biofilm

One of the problematic features of bacteria in the oral cavity is their tendency to adhere strongly to one another forming surfaces known as ‘biofilm.’ Biofilm is comprised of layers of bacteria all attached to one another that is very difficult to treat or remove. Recently, researchers at The University of Louisville used mPEG-PLGA (Polyvivo AK026) from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) to create BAR peptide loaded nanoparticles that prevent bacteria from sticking to one another. These particles were found to be effective at preventing biofilm formation. This research holds promise to improve periodontal treatments. Read more: Mahmoud, Mohamed Y., Donald R. Demuth, and Jill M. Steinbach-Rankins. "BAR-encapsulated nanoparticles for the inhibition and disruption of Porphyromonas gingivalis–Streptococcus gordonii biofilms." Journal of Nanobiotechnology 16, no. 1 (2018): 69. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12951-018-0396-4

“Abstract: Background: Porphyromonas gingivalis adherence to oral streptococci is a key point in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases (Honda in Cell Host Microbe 10:423–425, 2011). Previous work in our groups has shown that a region of the streptococcal antigen denoted BAR (SspB Adherence Region) inhibits P. gingivalis/S. gordonii interaction and biofilm formation both in vitro and in a mouse model of periodontitis (Daep et al. in Infect Immun 74:5756–5762, 2006; Daep et al. in Infect immun 76:3273–3280, 2008; Daep et al. in Infect Immun 79:67–74, 2011). However, high localized concentration and prolonged exposure are needed for BAR to be an effective therapeutic in the oral cavity. Methods: To address these challenges, we fabricated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and methoxy-polyethylene glycol PLGA (mPEG-PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) that encapsulate BAR peptide, and assessed the potency of BAR-encapsulated NPs to inhibit and disrupt in vitro two-species biofilms. In addition, the kinetics of BAR-encapsulated NPs were compared after different durations of exposure in a two-species biofilm model, against previously evaluated BAR-modified NPs and free BAR. Results: BAR-encapsulated PLGA and mPEG-PLGA NPs potently inhibited biofilm formation (IC50 = 0.7 μM) and also disrupted established biofilms (IC50 = 1.3 μM) in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, BAR released during the first 2 h of administration potently inhibits biofilm formation, while a longer duration of 3 h is required to disrupt pre-existing biofilms. Conclusions These results suggest that BAR-encapsulated NPs provide a potent platform to inhibit (prevent) and disrupt (treat) P. gingivalis/S. gordonii biofilms, relative to free BAR. Keywords Polymer nanoparticle Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Peptide delivery Drug delivery Porphyromonas gingivalis Streptococcus gordonii Periodontal disease Oral biofilm”