Heteromultivalent Nanogels as Highly Potent Inhibitors of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of microbial resistance requires new antibacterial concepts for selective targeting and killing of pathogenic bacteria. Here, we report the synthesis of a heteromultivalent nanogel system against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). These nanogels are based on biocompatible polyglycerols and functionalized with sugar ligands fucose (Fuc) or galactose (Gal) for P. aeruginosa targeting. With a further modification of these nanogels with BMAP-18 short chain peptides (GRFKRFRKKFKKLFKKLS), we have achieved > 99.99% inactivation of planktonic and > 99.9% inactivation of biofilm-coated P. aeruginosa within 12 h of treatment. Additionally, the system demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential, effectively inhibiting Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This modular design offers a promising strategy for the development of next-generation antimicrobial therapies targeting biofilm-associated infections and MDR bacteria.