Polymer-Based Bioorthogonal Nanocatalysts for the Treatment of Bacterial Biofilms

J Am Chem Soc. 2020 Jun 17;142(24):10723-10729. doi: 10.1021/jacs.0c01758. Epub 2020 Jun 8.

Abstract

Bioorthogonal catalysis offers a unique strategy to modulate biological processes through the in situ generation of therapeutic agents. However, the direct application of bioorthogonal transition metal catalysts (TMCs) in complex media poses numerous challenges due to issues of limited biocompatibility, poor water solubility, and catalyst deactivation in biological environments. We report here the creation of catalytic "polyzymes", comprised of self-assembled polymer nanoparticles engineered to encapsulate lipophilic TMCs. The incorporation of catalysts into these nanoparticle scaffolds creates water-soluble constructs that provide a protective environment for the catalyst. The potential therapeutic utility of these nanozymes was demonstrated through antimicrobial studies in which a cationic nanozyme was able to penetrate into biofilms and eradicate embedded bacteria through the bioorthogonal activation of a pro-antibiotic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Biofilms / drug effects*
  • Catalysis
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Molecular Structure
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Polymers / pharmacology*
  • Transition Elements / chemistry
  • Transition Elements / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Polymers
  • Transition Elements