U.S. patent application number 17/218775 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-15 for antimicrobial polycarbonates for multidrug resistant bacteria.
The applicant listed for this patent is Agency for Science, Technology and Research, CORAL BAY II, LLC.. Invention is credited to James L. Hedrick, Chuan Yang, Yi Yan Yang.
Application Number | 20210214493 17/218775 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005493024 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210214493 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hedrick; James L. ; et
al. |
July 15, 2021 |
ANTIMICROBIAL POLYCARBONATES FOR MULTIDRUG RESISTANT BACTERIA
Abstract
Compositions and methods regarding guanidinium functionalized
polycarbonates that provide potent antimicrobial activity against
multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria, including Klebsiella pneumoniae
(K. pneumoniae) are provided. According to an embodiment, an
antimicrobial guanidinium-functionalized polymer is provided that
comprises a hydrophobic molecular backbone with cationic
guanidinium moieties respectively bound to the hydrophobic
molecular backbone via butyl spacer groups. The antimicrobial
guanidinium-functionalized polymer self-assembles into a micelle
structure with hydrophobic residuals of the antimicrobial
guanidinium-functionalized polymer buried inside the micelle
structure and the cationic guanidinium moieties exposed on an
external surface of the micelle structure to target pathogens.
Inventors: |
Hedrick; James L.;
(Pleasanton, CA) ; Yang; Yi Yan; (Singapore,
SG) ; Yang; Chuan; (Singapore, SG) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CORAL BAY II, LLC.
Agency for Science, Technology and Research |
New York
Singapore |
NY |
US
SG |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005493024 |
Appl. No.: |
17/218775 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16013474 |
Jun 20, 2018 |
10995177 |
|
|
17218775 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B82Y 5/00 20130101; A61P
31/04 20180101; B82Y 40/00 20130101; C08G 64/42 20130101; C08G
64/0241 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C08G 64/02 20060101
C08G064/02; C08G 64/42 20060101 C08G064/42; A61P 31/04 20060101
A61P031/04 |
Claims
1. A polymer having a form of a micelle structure, the polymer
comprising: a molecular backbone structure with cationic
guanidinium moieties respectively bound to the molecular backbone
structure via butyl spacer groups, wherein the molecular backbone
is buried inside the micelle structure and the cationic guanidium
moieties are exposed on an external surface of the micelle
structure.
2. The polymer of claim 1, wherein the molecular backbone structure
comprises polycarbonate.
3. The polymer of claim 1, wherein the micelle structure has a size
between 20 and 300 nanometers.
4. The polymer of claim 1, wherein the polymer self-assembles into
the micelle structure in aqueous solution with a critical micelle
concentration below 500 mg/L.
5. The polymer of claim 1, wherein the micelle structure mitigates
exposure of the molecular backbone to mammalian cells.
6. The polymer of claim 1, wherein the polymer exhibits
antimicrobial activity towards Gram-negative bacteria and
Gram-positive bacteria.
7. The polymer of claim 1, wherein the polymer is effective at
killing multidrug resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumonia.
8. The polymer of claim 1, wherein the polymer exhibits
antimicrobial activity towards at least one bacteria selected from
the group consisting of Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli,
Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecium.
9. The polymer of claim 1, wherein the molecular backbone is
hydrophobic and comprises hydrophobic residuals buried inside the
micelle structure.
10. The polymer of claim 1, wherein the polymer has a chemical
structure characterized by a structure selected from the group
consisting of: ##STR00007## wherein "n" represents an integer
between 5 and 65, and wherein "Me" represents a methyl group.
11. A method, comprising: forming an intermediate polymer via a
ring-opening polymerization of guanidinium-functionalized cyclic
monomers in the presence of an initiator and an organo-catalyst;
and deprotecting a guanidinium moiety of the intermediate polymer
using a protic acid, wherein the deprotecting forms an
antimicrobial polymer having a cationic moiety bound to a molecular
backbone via a butyl group, wherein the antimicrobial polymer
self-assembles into a micelle structure in aqueous solution such
that the molecular backbone is buried inside the micelle structure
and the cationic guanidium moieties are exposed on an external
surface of the micelle structure.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the initiator is a nucleophile
comprising an alcohol group.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the organo-catalyst comprises
at least one member selected from the group consisting of
1,8-Diazabicyclo[5,4,0]-undec-7-ene and N-(3,5
trifluoromethyl)phenyl-N-cyclohexylthiourea.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the protic acid is
trifluoroacetic acid.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein a ratio of an amount of the
organo-catalyst to an amount of the guanidinium-functionalized
cyclic monomers is at least 1:10.
16. A method, comprising: synthesizing, via a ring opening
polymerization, an antimicrobial polymer having a form of a micelle
structure by mixing guanidinium-functionalized cyclic monomers with
an initiator in the presence of an organo-catalyst, wherein the
antimicrobial polymer comprises a hydrophobic molecular backbone
structure with cationic guanidinium moieties respectively bound to
the hydrophobic molecular backbone structure via butyl spacer
groups, and wherein hydrophobic residuals of the antimicrobial
polymer are buried inside the micelle structure and the cationic
guanidinium moieties are exposed on an external surface of the
micelle structure.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the initiator is a nucleophile
comprising an alcohol group.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the organo-catalyst comprises
at least one member selected from the group consisting of
1,8-Diazabicyclo[5,4,0]-undec-7-ene and N-(3,5
trifluoromethyl)phenyl-N-cyclohexylthiourea.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the mixing further comprises
mixing the guanidinium-functionalized cyclic monomers with the
initiator in the presence of the organo-catalyst and a protic
acid.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein a ratio of an amount of the
organo-catalyst to an amount of the guanidinium-functionalized
cyclic monomers is at least 1:10.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The subject disclosure relates antimicrobial polycarbonates
and more particularly to one more guanidinium functionalized
polycarbonates that provide potent antimicrobial activity against
multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria, including Klebsiella pneumoniae
(K. pneumoniae).
SUMMARY
[0002] The following presents a summary to provide a basic
understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention. This
summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements, or
delineate any scope of the particular embodiments or any scope of
the claims. Its sole purpose is to present concepts in a simplified
form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is
presented later. In one or more embodiments described herein,
methods and/or compositions regarding guanidinium functionalized
polycarbonates that provide potent antimicrobial activity against
multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria, including Klebsiella pneumoniae
(K. pneumoniae).
[0003] According to an embodiment, an antimicrobial
guanidinium-functionalized polymer is provided that comprises a
hydrophobic molecular backbone with cationic guanidinium moieties
respectively bound to the hydrophobic molecular backbone via butyl
spacer groups. The antimicrobial guanidinium-functionalized polymer
self-assembles into a micelle structure with hydrophobic residuals
of the antimicrobial guanidinium-functionalized polymer buried
inside the micelle structure and the cationic guanidinium moieties
exposed on an external surface of the micelle structure to target
pathogens. In one or more embodiments, the hydrophobic molecular
backbone comprises polycarbonate. The micelle structure can be a
nanostructure having a size between 20 and 300 nanometers (nm).
[0004] In various implementations, the hydrophobic residuals of the
antimicrobial polymer interact with lipid domains of the cell
membranes, which causes non-specific toxicity towards mammalian
cells. In this regard, the micelle structure mitigates exposure of
the hydrophobic residuals to mammalian cells in vivo. At the same
time, the antimicrobial guanidinium-functionalized polymer is
effective at killing Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive
bacteria. In particular, the antimicrobial
guanidinium-functionalized polymer is particularly effective at
killing MDR strains of K. pneumonia. In some embodiments, the
antimicrobial guanidinium-functionalized polymer is also effective
at killing bacteria selected from a group consisting of:
Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus,
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and Enterococcus faecium (collectively known as the ESKAPE
pathogens). The antimicrobial guanidinium-functionalized polymer is
further biodegradable and biocompatible.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 provides a diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting, effective antimicrobial mechanism afforded one or
more antimicrobial guanidinium functionalized polymers in
accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
[0006] FIG. 2A illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
synthesis scheme that can facilitate generation of one or more
guanidinium monomers in accordance with one or more embodiments
described herein.
[0007] FIG. 2B illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
synthesis scheme that can facilitate generation of one or more
guanidinium polymers in accordance with one or more embodiments
described herein.
[0008] FIG. 3A presents an example, non-limiting graph that
demonstrates self-assembly of one or more
guanidinium-functionalized polymers in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein.
[0009] FIG. 3B presents an example, non-limiting chart
demonstrating critical micelle concentration (CMC) values of one or
more guanidinium-functionalized polymers in accordance with one or
more embodiments described herein.
[0010] FIG. 3C presents a graph illustrating the results the proton
nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of one or more
guanidinium-functionalized polymers in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein.
[0011] FIG. 4 presents an example, non-limiting table comparing the
minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of various
antimicrobials, including the subject antimicrobial guanidinium
polymers, against different strains of clinically isolated
bacterial, in accordance with one or more embodiments described
herein.
[0012] FIG. 5 presents an example, non-limiting table providing the
cumulative MIC values of various antimicrobials, including the
subject antimicrobial guanidinium polymers, against clinically
isolated, MDR K. pneumoniae in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein.
[0013] FIGS. 6A and 6B present graphs respectively representing the
in vitro killing kinetics of the subject antimicrobial guanidinium
polymers against clinically isolated, MDR K. pneumoniae in
accordance with one or more embodiments described herein
[0014] FIG. 7 provides a graph illustrating the cytosolic material
leakage from K. pneumoniae in response to treatment with one or
more antimicrobial guanidinium polymers in accordance with one or
more embodiments described herein.
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates an example, non-limiting graph that
demonstrates antibiotic resistance development properties of K.
pneumoniae against one or more antimicrobial guanidinium polymers
in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
[0016] FIG. 9 presents an example, non-limiting graph demonstrating
the efficacy of various antimicrobials, including the subject
antimicrobial guanidinium polymers, against K. pneumoniae in a K.
pneumoniae-caused lung infection mouse model, in accordance with
one or more embodiments described herein.
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates another example, non-limiting graph that
demonstrates the efficacy of bacterial removal from the lungs,
blood, liver, spleen and kidneys, including the subject
antimicrobial guanidinium macromolecules, against K. pneumoniae in
the K. pneumoniae-caused lung infection mouse model, in accordance
with one or more embodiments described herein.
[0018] FIG. 11 presents morphological images of lung injury in
infected mice with or without treatment by antimicrobial agents as
assessed by haemotoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining histological
analysis in accordance with one or more embodiments described
herein.
[0019] FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting method that can facilitate generating one or more
antimicrobial guanidinium polymers in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein.
[0020] FIG. 13 illustrates a flow diagram of another example,
non-limiting method that can facilitate generating one or more
guanidinium polymers in accordance with one or more embodiments
described herein.
[0021] FIG. 14 illustrates a high-level flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting method that can facilitate killing of a pathogen with
one or more guanidinium macromolecules in accordance with one or
more embodiments described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The following detailed description is merely illustrative
and is not intended to limit embodiments and/or application or uses
of embodiments. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by
any expressed or implied information presented in the preceding
Summary and Description of the Drawings sections, or in the
Detailed Description section.
[0023] The Gram-negative opportunistic bacterial pathogen
Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) found in the normal flora of
the mouth, skin and intestine is responsible for a significant
number of hospital-acquired infections. K. pneumoniae-induced
pneumoniae is one of the most urgent global health threats owing to
its severity, high incidence of complications, and a dreadful
mortality rate which is up to approximately 50%, even with current
antibiotic regimens. K. pneumoniae infections typically occur in
patients compromised with asthma, allergic airway inflammation,
cystic fibrosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary, complicating the
treatment regimen. Moreover, K. pneumoniae infections are the most
commonly observed infections in livestock, leading to an over use
of antibiotics is agriculture that leads to cross-resistance with
these therapeutics. Over the last few years in clinical settings, a
growing incidence of multidrug resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae has
been reported, limiting treatment options.
[0024] Carbapenems like imipenem and meropenem are considered the
first line of defense for treating infections caused by MDR K.
pneumoniae. However, the effectiveness of carbapenem derivatives
for K. pneumoniae and related infections has produced a sharp
increase of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing K.
pneumoniae, resulting in the emergence of carbapenem-resistant K.
pneumoniae (CRKP). Although polymixins are widely recognized as the
last line of defense against Gram-negative pathogens including
CRKP, side effects often include grievous nephrotoxicity and
neurotoxicity, limiting clinical applications. The emergence of
polymyxin resistance has been attributed to chromosomal mutations
that alter lipopolysaccharide composition, polysaccharide capsule
formation or efflux pump function. Given the severity of K.
pneumoniae-induced infections and the diminishing effectiveness of
existing antibiotics against CRKP, it is exceedingly urgent to
develop novel medication candidates against MDR K. pneumonia, while
mitigating the onset of MDR.
[0025] The disclosed subject matter is directed to the development
and application of one or more novel guanidinium-based
antimicrobial polymers that selectively target and eradicate K.
pneumoniae and other MDR bacteria, in vitro and in vivo, while
minimizing toxicity and medication resistance onset. In some
implementations, the disclosed guanidinium macromolecules can also
be effective at killing fungi, yeast, and other pathogens. In one
or more embodiments, the subject antimicrobial guanidinium-based
polymers can comprise a hydrophobic polymer backbone consisting of
one or more covalently bonded polymer units, wherein at least some
(one or more) of the polymer units comprise a cationic (positively
charged) guanidine-based functional group extending therefrom and
covalently bonded to one or more atoms of the polymer unit via a
butyl spacer group. In this regard, the polymer backbone can
comprise one or more repeat monomer units that are respectively
functionalized with a cationic, guanidine-based antimicrobial
moiety. These monomers are referred to herein as guanidinium
functionalized monomers.
[0026] In various embodiments, the subject guanidinium
functionalized polymers can facilitate killing bacterial cells via
membrane translocation followed by interacting with cytosolic
materials (proteins and genes) and precipitating them inside the
cells. In this regard, the polymer backbone and the one or more
butyl spacer groups that connect the cationic guanidinium moieties
thereto are hydrophobic (or substantially hydrophobic) in nature,
while the cationic guanidinium moieties are hydrophilic in nature.
When used as an antimicrobial, the cationic guanidinium moieties
bind with the anionic (negatively charged) phosphate groups on the
bacterial membrane surface, resulting in counterion exchange and
charge neutralization that allows the polymer to translocate
through the lipid bilayer of the bacterial membrane (e.g., as a
non-polar species). The polymer is then released through the
membrane leading to cytosol material precipitation and subsequent
cell apoptosis. In this regard, the hydrophobic residuals and the
guanidinium groups of the polymer are highly toxic to the bacterial
biomolecules within the cytosol, and thus cause local disorder and
precipitation within the cytosol, leading to cell apoptosis. The
more hydrophobic the polymers, the more toxic they are to bacteria
once internalized by the bacteria. However, the hydrophobic
residuals of the polymer backbone can be toxic to mammalian cells
as they can interact with lipid domains of cell membrane, thus
disrupting cell membrane.
[0027] In accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed
subject matter, the structure of the subject
guanidinium-functionalized polymers can have a unique balance and
distribution of hydrophobicity verses hydrophilicity that promotes
self-assembly of the polymer into distinctive nanostructures (e.g.,
having a size between about 20 and 300 nanometers nm) that
substantially reduces the toxicity of the polymers when exposed to
mammalian cells. In this regard, the self-assembled nanostructures
can have a micelle formation wherein the hydrophobic residuals are
located on the inside of the micelle and the hydrophilic residuals
located on the surface of the micelle and capable of targeting the
pathogens. In particular, based on the balance and distribution of
the hydrophilic guanidinium moiety relative to the hydrophobic
butyl that connects the guanidinium moiety to the hydrophobic
backbone, the subject guanidinium-functionalized polymers can be
configured to self-assemble into theses distinctive nanostructures
in aqueous solution with a critical micelle concentration (CMC)
less than or equal to a defined CMC threshold. For example, in one
or more embodiments the subject guanidinium-functionalized polymers
can self-assemble into the distinctive nanostructures in an aqueous
solution having a CMC less than or equal to 118 micrograms per
liter (.mu.g/mL at 25 degrees Celsius (.degree. C.), atmospheric
pressure or greater, such phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and the
like. In this regard, the subject guanidinium-functionalized
polymers can self-assemble into the distinctive nanostructures in a
physiological environment (e.g., an actual physiological
environment and a simulated physiological environment simulated
using PBS).
[0028] In this regard, the subject guanidinium-functionalized
polymers can be configured to self-assemble into the protected
dynamic nanostructures (with the hydrophobic residuals buried
inside the micelle) in an aqueous solution comprising bacterial
cells and mammalian cells. Because the hydrophobic residuals are
positioned inside the micelle, the guanidinium-functionalized
polymers have minimal interaction with the mammalian cells.
However, the antimicrobial efficacy attributed to the bacterial
killing kinetic mechanism described above is also enabled due to
the exposed cationic guanidinium groups located around the outside
of the micelle at concentrations above its CMC. In this regard, the
protected nanostructures can be configured to open-up, unwind or
otherwise dissemble so as to expose the hydrophobic active groups
to the lipid domains of the bacterial membrane in response to the
binding of the cationic guanidinium groups to the anionic bacterial
membrane. As a result, the polymers translocate through the
bacterial membrane and into the cytosol in an extended form wherein
both the hydrophobic and guanidinium active groups are exposed to
interact with cytosolic materials.
[0029] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the subject
antimicrobial guanidinium-based polymers can comprise a chemical
structure characterized by Structure I:
##STR00001##
[0030] In accordance with Structure I, the guanidinium-based
antimicrobial polymer comprises a number "n" of repeating monomer
units, (referred to herein as guanidinium functionalized monomer
units or the monomer units). Each (or in some embodiments one or
more) of the monomer units can comprise a polycarbonate group and a
cationic guanidinium moiety attached to the polycarbonate group via
a butyl group. The number "n" of repeating and connected/bonded
guanidinium functionalized monomer units can vary. For example, in
some implementations, the number "n" of repeating monomer units can
be one or more and one thousand or less. However, in one or more
exemplary embodiments, the number "n" of repeating monomer units
can be tailored to facilitate formation of the subject
guanidinium-based antimicrobial polymers into the protected micelle
nanostructures in aqueous solution. In particular, the number "n"
of repeating monomer units can be tailored to balance the
hydrophobicity of the polymer backbone group and the butyl group
relative to the hydrophilicity of the guanidinium moiety to
facilitate the self-assembly of the subject polymers into the
protected micelle nanostructures, wherein the guanidinium moieties
are exposed on the outside of the micelle on the out and the
hydrophobic residuals are internalized within a micelle. In this
regard, in some embodiments, one or more polymers having Structure
I can be configured to self-assemble into the protected micelle
nanostructures when "n" is between 5.0 and 65. In another
embodiment, one or more polymers having Structure I can be
configured to self-assemble into the protected micelle
nanostructures when "n" is between 10 and 40. Still in yet another
embodiment, one or more polymers having Structure I can be
configured to self-assemble into the protected micelle
nanostructures when "n" is between 15 and 25.
[0031] In the embodiment shown in Structure I, each monomer unit of
the polymer backbone includes at least one guanidinium functional
group that consists of the cationic guanidinium-based antimicrobial
moiety connected to thereto via a butyl spacer group. However, in
some implementations, one or more of the monomer units can include
no guanidinium functional groups and/or one or more of the monomer
units can include two or more guanidinium based functional groups.
In this regard, in some implementations, no restriction is placed
on the polymer skeletal structure of the skeletal backbone.
Exemplary non-limiting polymer skeletal structures can include
linear polymers, branched polymers, star polymers, mykto-arm star
polymers, latter polymers, cyclic polymers, and graft polymers. The
forgoing polymer types can comprise a homopolymer, a random
copolymer, or a block copolymer chain. In various exemplary
embodiments, the antimicrobial guanidinium based macromolecule is a
linear polymer comprising a plurality of covalently bonded
guanidinium functionalized monomer units. Herein, a linear polymer
has one branch having two peripheral ends (i.e., dangling ends, as
the two ends of a segment of a rope). The one branch can comprise
one or more polymer chain segments covalently linked together at
respective polymer chain ends by way of any suitable linking group,
which can include a single bond. Each polymer chain segment of a
linear polymer can comprise a homopolymer, random copolymer, or
block copolymer chain comprising one or more repeat units. At least
one of the polymer chain segments comprises one or more repeat
units of the guanidinium functionalized monomer.
[0032] In accordance with structure I, the polymer backbone
comprises a polycarbonate group. However, in one or more additional
embodiments, other hydrophobic polymers can be employed as the
polymer backbone. For example, in other embodiments, the polymer
backbone can comprise polylysine, polyionene, polyethylenimine and
the like.
[0033] As shown in Structure I, the antimicrobial
guanidinium-moiety is cationic in nature so as to facilitate
counterion exchange with anionic phosphate group on the bacterial
membranes and change neutralization, thereby facilitating
translocation of the resulting nonpolar macromolecule through the
bacterial membrane. For example, in the embodiment shown, the
guanidinium moiety is characterized by chemical Formula I
below:
##STR00002##
[0034] In this regard, the antimicrobial guanidinium moiety
comprises a hydrosalt of a guanidinium functional group with a
positively-charged protonated form of the guanidinium group that is
ionically associated with a negatively-charged trifluoracetic acid
(TFA) counterion. However, in some embodiments, the cationic
antimicrobial guanidinium moiety can vary. For example, in some
embodiments, the cationic guanidinium moiety can comprise a
hydrosalt of a guanidine group represented by Formula II below:
##STR00003##
wherein X' is a negative-charged counterion. In accordance with
these embodiments, exemplary negative-charged counterions X' can
include but are not limited to: halides (e.g., fluoride, chloride,
bromide, iodide), hydroxide, alkyl and aryl carboxylates (e.g.,
trifluoroacetate, pentafluorobenzoate), hydrogen carbonate, alkyl,
and aryl sulfonates (e.g., methane sulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate),
methyl sulfate, hydrogen sulfate, nitrate, dihydrogen phosphate,
dialkyl and diaryl phosphates, and alkyl and aryl phosphonates.
[0035] In various additional embodiments, one or more antimicrobial
guanidinium-based polymers described herein that are capable of
forming protected nanostructures in aqueous solution can be
characterized by Structure II:
##STR00004##
[0036] wherein the variable "R" represents a functional group. In
one or more embodiments, the function group "R" can comprise a
functional group that facilitates polymerization of the polymer in
association with synthesis of the polymer. For example, in one or
more embodiments, as discussed in greater detail infra, the subject
guanidinium-based polymers comprise polycarbonate backbones and are
prepared by organocatalyzed ring opening polymerization (OROP) of a
cyclic carbonate (MTC) monomer bearing a pendent protected monomer
attached thereto via a butyl group. In this regard, the OROP is
facilitated by a nucleophile initiator. Thus, in one or more
embodiments, the "R" in Structure II can corresponds to a
functional group of a nucleophile initiator of the ROP, such as a
protecting functional group of an alcohol. For example, in one or
more embodiments, the functional group "R" of Structure II can
include but is not limited to, a 4-methylbenzyl alcohol group, a
benzyl alcohol group, and the like. For example, in one exemplary
embodiment, one or more guanidinium-based polymers described herein
can have a chemical structure characterized by Structure III:
##STR00005##
[0037] In other embodiments, the "R" of Structure II can be or
include a carbohydrate moiety (e.g., a sugar), such a saccharide or
a monosaccharide (e.g., fructose, galactose, glucose, mannose,
etc.).
[0038] It should be appreciated that the size of the self-assembled
nanostructures formed via the one or more polymers having Structure
I, Structure II, Structure III (and the like) can vary depending on
the number "n" and composition of the repeating monomer units and
possible the "R" functional group. In one or more embodiments, the
subject polymers can be configured to form self-assembled
nanostructures having a size between about 20 and 300 nm. In
another embodiment, subject polymers can be configured to form
self-assembled nanostructures having a size between about 100 and
200 nm. Still in yet another embodiment, the subject polymers can
be configured to form self-assembled nanostructures having a size
between about 150 and 200 nm.
[0039] The subject micelle forming guanidinium-based polymers
(e.g., having Structure I, Structure II, Structure III, and the
like), have shown potent antimicrobial activity against K.
pneumoniae and various additional clinically-isolated MDR bacteria,
including the various ESKAPE pathogens. For example, in addition to
K. pneumoniae, the subject micelle forming guanidinium-based
polymers provide potent antimicrobial activity against both
Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including but not limited
to, Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii), Escherichia coli (E.
coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant S.
aureus (MRSA), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and
Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium). In this regard, one or more
example compounds comprising the disclosed micelle forming
guanidinium-based polymers were tested in vitro and in vivo (in a
lung infection animal model) with substantially greater success
over traditional antibiotics (including imipenem, ceftriaxone, and
gentamycin, and vancomycin) and alternative guanidinium based
polymers that do not have the chemical Structures, I, II, III and
the like. In this regard, as compared to commercial antibiotics and
similar guanidinium functionalized polymers that include spacer
groups other than a butyl group connecting the guanidinium moiety
to the polymer backbone, only the subject guanidinium-based
polymers self-assemble into unique micelle nanostructures with
internalized hydrophobic residuals and decorated by external
cationic guanidinium moieties when introduced in an aqueous
solution. This unique chemical reaction afforded by the butyl
spacer group was found to significantly increase the efficacy and
significantly decrease the toxicity of the disclosed polymers
relative to traditional antibiotics and alternative guanidinium
based polymers that do not have butyl spacer groups between the
guanidinium moiety and the polymer backbone.
[0040] In particular, as described in greater detail infra with
reference to various in vitro and in vivo studies efficacy studies,
the subject micelle forming guanidinium-based polymers demonstrated
rapid killing kinetics against MDR K. pneumoniae as compared to the
leading antibiotic imipenem. The subject polymers also showed a low
tendency toward medication/antibacterial agent resistance
development. Notably, compared to imipenem, the subject polymers
demonstrated substantially greater efficacy in an immunocompromised
mouse pneumonia model caused by MDR K. pneumoniae. In addition,
treatment with the subject polymers at the effective dose levels
did not induce significant toxicity. Further, as described infra
with reference to FIG. 9, relative to alternative guanidinium-based
polymers without the self-assembly mechanism afforded by the
subject guanidinium-functionalized polymers (e.g., owing to the
butyl spacer group), the effective dose (ED) for 50% of infected
subjects (e.g., mice) receiving the medication, referred to as the
ED50, decreased up to over 50% (e.g., from 3.79 milligrams per
kilogram (mg/kg) for comparative polymers having chemical Structure
IV discussed infra, to only 1.78 mg/kg for polymers having
Structure I). At the same time, the toxicity, measured via lethal
dose 50 (LD50) which is the dose that leads to the demise of 50% of
the subjects (e.g., mice), also significantly decreased (e.g., from
44.2 mg/kg for Structure IV to 158.0 mg/kg for Structure I, also
shown in FIG. 9). As a result, the observed therapeutic window
(LD50/ED50) for the disclosed polymers with the butyl spacer groups
relative to similar guanidium based polymers without butyl spacer
groups increased substantially (e.g., from 11.6 for comparative
polymer having Structure IV and 25.1 for comparative polymer having
structure V, to 88.8 for the polymer having Structure I. This
evidence convincingly distinguishes the subject polymers having
Structures I, II, III and the like, as a totally novel class of
antimicrobial agents, potentially capable of combating MDR
pathogens, including K. pneumoniae.
[0041] Additionally, the subject guanidinium-based polymers are
biocompatible, biodegradable, non-hemolytic, and non-cytotoxic at
concentrations above the MIC. The subject guanidinium-based
macromolecules are therefore attractive for a wide range of
applications ranging from therapeutics to the reduction in the use
of antibiotics in agriculture to consumer products, such as for
example, cosmetics, skin lotions, and the like. The term
biodegradable is defined by the American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) as degradation caused by biological activity,
especially by enzymatic action, leading to a significant change in
the chemical structure of the material. For purposes herein, the
subject guanidinium-based polymers having (and variations thereof)
can be characterized as biodegradable because they have been shown
to undergo at least 60% biodegradation within 180 days, in
accordance with ASTM D6400. The subject guanidinium-based
macromolecules can also be characterized as enzymatically
biodegradable because they have been shown to be degraded (e.g.,
depolymerized) by a reaction catalyzed by an enzyme. A
biocompatible material is defined herein as a material capable of
performing with an appropriate host response in a specific
application.
[0042] One or more embodiments are now described with reference to
the drawings, wherein like referenced numerals are used to refer to
like elements throughout. In the following description, for
purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in
order to provide a more thorough understanding of the one or more
embodiments. It is evident, however, in various cases, that the one
or more embodiments can be practiced without these specific
details.
[0043] FIG. 1 provides a diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting, effective antimicrobial mechanism 100 afforded one or
more antimicrobial guanidinium functionalized polymers in
accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
Repetitive description of like elements employed in respective
embodiments is omitted for sake of brevity.
[0044] In this regard, FIG. 1 depicts an interaction between
guanidinium functionalized polymers having Structure I, Structure
II, Structure III or the like, with a bacteria microbe 124. In
particular, FIG. 1 depicts a five step (respectively numbered steps
101-105) process illustrating the antimicrobial mechanism of the
subject guanidinium functionalized polymers (having Structure I,
Structure II, Structure III or the like). In this regard, when
suspended in aqueous solution including bacteria microbes (e.g.,
bacteria microbe 124) and saline, the subject guanidinium
functionalized polymers self-assemble into micelle structures 110.
An enlarged illustration of the micelle structure 110 is shown in
the call-out box extending therefrom. As shown in the call out-box,
the micelle structure 110 comprises a circular structure with the
cationic and hydrophilic guanidinium moieties 112 exposed around
the external perimeter of the micelle, enclosing or encapsulating
the hydrophobic butyl groups 114 and the hydrophobic residuals of
the polymer backbone 116. (It should be appreciated that the
illustration of the micelle structure is merely exemplary and not
drawn with accurate dimensions and arrangements of the actual
micelle in practice).
[0045] As the polymers come into contact with the bacterial surface
at step 101, the cationic guanidinium moieties can be configured to
bind with the anionic (negatively charged) phosphate groups on the
bacterial surface and experience counterion exchange and charge
neutralization. In response to the binding of the cationic
guanidinium moieties to the bacterial surface, at 102, the micelle
structure 110 unwinds into an extended or open structure 118,
thereby exposing the hydrophobic residuals. In this regard, the
polymer essentially unravels and wraps itself around the surface of
the bacteria, exposing the hydrophobic residuals. The call-out box
extending from the open structure 118 provides and enlarged
illustration of the binding of the polymer to the bacterial surface
and the opening of the polymer from the micelle structure 110 to
the open structure 118.
[0046] At 103 the polymers then translocate through the hydrophobic
lipid bilayer of the bacterial membrane 120 as a non-polar and
substantially hydrophobic species. At 104, the polymers are then
released through the bacterial membrane 120 and into the cytosol
122. Then at 105, the polymers attack the bacterial biomolecules
within the cytosol, causing local disorder and precipitation within
the cytosol, leading to cell apoptosis. Accordingly, the
hydrophobic residuals and guanidinium groups of the polymers are
highly toxic to bacteria once internalized, leading to cytosol
precipitation and subsequent cell apoptosis.
[0047] FIG. 2A illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
synthesis scheme 300 that can facilitate generation of one or more
guanidinium functionalized monomers in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein. The one or more guanidinium
functionalized monomers generated via synthesis scheme 200 can be
further polymerized to generate one or more of antimicrobial
guanidinium polymers in accordance with one or more embodiments
described herein. For example, synthesis scheme 200 can be employed
to produce one or more guanidinium functionalized monomers that can
be used to generate one or more antimicrobial polymers
characterized by Structure I, Structure II, Structure III and the
like. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other
embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.
[0048] In the embodiment shown, the resulting guanidinium
functionalized monomer having Structure 208 is referred to herein
as MTC-OBut-BocGua. The guanidinium functionalized monomer
MTC-OBut-BocGua, comprises a cyclic carbonate (e.g., MTC) with a
protected guanidinium functional moiety covalently bonded thereto
via a butyl spacer group. In this regard, the guanidinium moiety
comprises two protecting tert-butyloxycarbonyl (tBoc or Boc)
groups. The Boc groups can correspond to independent acid-liable
protecting groups. Although the protecting groups of Structure 308
are Boc groups, other suitable protecting groups can be employed,
such as but not limited to, benzyloxycarbonyl (Bnoc), and
fluorenyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc).
[0049] In accordance with synthesis scheme 200 the MTC-OBut-BocGua
monomer can be prepared by reacting one or more cyclic carbonates
having Structure 202 with one or more protected guanidinium
compounds having Structure 206 (e.g., at a molar ratio of about
1:1), using a suitable amount (e.g., a molar ratio of about 1.5:1)
of reagents 204 to Structure 202, including oxalyl chloride,
tetrahydrofuran (THF) and a solvent (e.g., methylene chloride
(CH.sub.2CL.sub.2), also identified as (DCM)).
[0050] A detailed protocol for the synthesis of MTC-OBut-BocGua
monomer in accordance with synthesis schemed 200 using
4-amino-1-butanol as the starting reagent is described as a
representative example. Initially, synthesis of Boc-protected
guanylated alcohol (HO-But-BocGua) was performed as follows: To a
solution mixture of 4-amino-1-butanol (2.1 milliliters (mL), 22.32
millimoles (mmol)) and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (6.0 mL, 34.34
mmol) was added
1,3-bis(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-methyl-2-thiopseudourea (3.3 g,
11.16 mmol) in 20 mL of dry CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2, and the mixture was
left to stir overnight at room temperature. Upon reaction
completion, a constant stream of nitrogen gas was bubbled through
the reaction mixture for approximately 1.0 hour so as to aid in
purging of the gaseous by-product, MeSH. After the removal of
residual solvent in vacuo, the crude product was purified by flash
column chromatography using silica gel and a hexane-ethyl acetate
solvent system as the eluent (gradient elution up to 50% volume
(vol.). ethyl acetate) to yield the Boc-protected guanylated
alcohol (HO-But-BocGua) as a white solid (3.32 g, 90% yield). The
results of a proton nuclear magnetic resonance (.sup.1H NMR) study
of the HO-But-B ocGua at 400 megahertz (MHz), in deuterated
chloroform (CDCl.sub.3) at 22 degrees Celsius (.degree. C.) were as
follows: .delta. 11.47 (s, 1H, NH), 8.38 (s, 1H, NH), 3.67 (t, 2H,
HOCH.sub.2--), 3.44 (dd, 2H, --CH.sub.2N--), 1.61 (m, 4H,
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--), 1.48 (d, 18H, Boc-CH.sub.3).
[0051] Thereafter, the synthesis of MTC-OBut-BocGua was performed
as follows: In a dry three-neck circular bottom flask equipped with
a stir bar, MTC-OH (1.72 g, 10.75 mmol) was dissolved in dry THF
(50 mL) with 3-4 drops of DMF. A solution of oxalyl chloride (1.37
mL, 15.87 mmol) in THF (50 mL) was subsequently added from a
dropping funnel. Under a N.sub.2 gas atmosphere, the solution was
stirred for 1.0 hour, after which volatiles were removed under
vacuum, yielding an intermediate product MTC-Cl as an off-white
solid. The solid was heated to 60.degree. C. for 2-3 minutes to
remove any residual solvent, and then re-dissolved in dry
CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (50 mL) and cooled down to 0.degree. C. via an ice
bath. A mixture of HO-But-BocGua, 3.28 g, 9.91 mmol) and pyridine
(0.87 mL, 10.75 mmol) dissolved in dry CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (50 mL) was
then added dropwise over a duration of 30 minutes, and allowed to
stir at 0.degree. C. for an additional 30 minutes before leaving it
at ambient temperature for further stirring overnight. After
removal of solvent, the crude product was subjected to purification
by flash column chromatography using silica gel and a hexane-ethyl
acetate solvent system as the eluent (gradient elution up to 80%
vol. ethyl acetate) to yield MTC-OBut-BocGua as a white solid (75%
yield). The .sup.1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3, 22.degree. C.) was as
follows: .delta. 11.44 (s, 1H, NH), 8.30 (t, 1H, NH), 4.64 (d, 2H,
MTC-CH.sub.2--), 4.20-4.14 (m, 4H, MTC-CH.sub.2-- and
--OCH.sub.2--), 3.40 (dd, 2H, --CH.sub.2N--), 1.68 (dd, 2H,
--CH.sub.2--), 1.63-1.57 (m, 2H, --CH.sub.2--), 1.44 (s, 18H,
Boc-CH.sub.3), 1.28 (s, 3H, MTC-CH.sub.3).
[0052] While one or more particular reactants (e.g., cyclic
carbonate having Structure 202, protected guanidinium compounds
having Structure 206, etc.), reagents, and/or solvents are
depicted; additional embodiments of synthesis scheme 200 are also
envisaged. For example, the principal mechanisms of synthesis
scheme 200 can be applied to various carbonate based homopolymers,
polylysine based homopolymers, polyionene based homopolymers,
polyethylenimine based homopolymers, and the like, in accordance
with the various features described herein.
[0053] FIG. 2B illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting
synthesis scheme 201 that can facilitate generation of one or more
antimicrobial guanidinium polymers in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein. In this regard, synthesis scheme 201
can be employed to produce one or more antimicrobial polymers
characterized by Structure I, Structure II, Structure III, and the
like. Repetitive description of like elements employed in other
embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.
[0054] Synthesis scheme 201 particularly exemplifies the generation
of one or more antimicrobial guanidinium polymers prepared by OROP
of one or more guanidinium functionalized monomers MTC-OBut-BocGua
having Structure 208. In the embodiment shown, the number of
monomers "n" can be precisely controlled as a function of the
concentration or amount MTC-OBut-BocGua employed. In accordance
with synthesis scheme 201, the OROP of MTC-OBut-BocGua can be
performed using a nucleophile having a protected alcohol group with
structure R--OH as the initiator, wherein "R" the corresponds to
the one or more suitable functional groups described herein. For
example, in the embodiment shown, the structure 210, representing
(4-methylbenzyl alcohol) is provided as an example initiator.
[0055] In accordance with synthesis scheme 201, the MTC-OBut-BocGua
can be polymerized using OROP in accordance with a two-step
procedure to generate the resulting guanidinium functionalized
polymer having structure 216, (which corresponds to Structure II
above and also referred to herein as pBut_20). In this regard, at
212, the first step comprises polymerizing the MTC-OBut-BocGua in a
solvent (e.g., DCM) using the R--OH initiator and a defined amount
of reagents, including an organo-catalyst (e.g.
1,8-Diazabicyclo[5,4,0]-undec-7-ene (DBU)), N-(3,5
trifluoromethyl)phenyl-N-cyclohexylthiourea (TU), or DBU/TU), and
optionally, an accelerator. In one or more embodiment, the amount
of organo-catalyst employed relative to the amount of
MTC-OBut-BocGua is (1:10). For example, due to the inherent nature
of the subject polymers with the butyl attached guanidinium
moieties to form the disclosed nanostructures in aqueous solution,
the amount of organ-catalyst employed in order to fully polymerize
the subject polymers to a desired length can be at least 1:10 molar
ratio with respect to the monomer. The result of the first step at
212 produces an intermediate protected homopolymer (not shown) that
corresponds to Structure 216 yet having one or more Boc protecting
groups associated with the guanidinium moiety. The second step at
214 comprises subsequently deprotecting the intermediate protected
homopolymer in DCM using a protic acid (e.g., trifluoroacetic acid
(TFA) or another suitable protic acid) to form the antimicrobial
polymer having Structure 216 bearing the pendent cationic
guanidinium moieties with the negatively charged counterion (e.g.,
TFA.sup.- in the embodiment shown). For example, the protic acid
can have one or more protons, which can be donated to forma a
hydrosalt of guanidine.
[0056] The detailed procedures for the synthesis of Structure 216
(also referred to herein as pBut_20) in accordance with synthesis
scheme 201 via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of MTC-OBut-BocGua
with 4-methyl benzyl alcohol as the initiator are given as a
representative example. In this regard, in a glove box,
MTC-OBut-BocGua (0.398, 0.84 mmol), 4-methyl benzyl alcohol (4.36
mg, 0.035 mmol) and TU (31.08 mg, 0.084 mmol) were dissolved in dry
DCM (2 mL). Then, DBU (12.6 .mu.L, 0.084 mmol) was added to
initiate the polymerization and the solution was left to stir for 3
hours before the reaction was stopped by quenching the catalyst
using an excess of benzoic acid (11 mg, 0.09 mmol). The crude
polymer was isolated and purified via preparative size-exclusion
chromatography using THF as the eluent. Upon removal of the solvent
in vacuo, a transparent white solid was obtained as the product,
P(MTC-OBut-BocGua)_20 (72% yield). PDI: 1.28. .sup.1H-NMR (400 MHz,
CDCl.sub.3, 22.degree. C.): .delta. 11.50 (s, 18H, NH), 8.36 (bs,
18H, NH), 5.09 (s, 2H, initiator --CH.sub.2--), 4.29 (m, 66H,
MTC-CH.sub.2--), 4.14 (m, 35H, --OCH.sub.2--), 3.45 (m, 36H,
--CH.sub.2N--), 2.34 (s, 3H, initiator --CH.sub.3), 1.72-1.63 (m,
71H, --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--), 1.53-1.41 (d, 363H, Boc-CH.sub.3),
1.28-1.18 (bs, 57H, MTC-CH.sub.3).
[0057] For the removal of the Boc protecting groups, an
acid-mediated deprotection strategy was adopted. P(MTC-OBut-BocGua)
20 (150 milligrams (mg)) was dissolved in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (9.0 mL)
and trifluoroacetic acid (1.0 mL). The reaction mixture was sealed
and stirred at room temperature for 14-18 hours. After the removal
of solvent in vacuo, slightly yellow waxy solid was obtained as the
deprotected guanidinium-functionalized polymer in quantitative
yields. The polymer was subsequently dissolved in water and
lyophilized to yield a white transparent solid, pBut_20. Complete
deprotection was ascertained by .sup.1H-NMR analysis. The results
were as follows: Yield: 81%; .sup.1H-NMR (400 MHz, CD.sub.3OD,
22.degree. C.): .delta. 4.30 (m, 61H, MTC-CH.sub.2--), 4.18 (m,
36H, --OCH.sub.2--), 3.22 (m, 36H, --CH.sub.2N--), 1.77-1.64 (m,
69H, --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--), 1.23 (bs, 53H, --CH.sub.3).
[0058] The self-assembly behavior of the polyguanidinium polymers
having Structure I the like, (e.g., pBut_20), in aqueous solution
was investigated by determining their critical micelle
concentrations (CMCs) and particle sizes in PBS buffer solution, as
well as the changes of proton NMR spectra of the polymer in MeOD
and D.sub.2O. The results are shown in FIGS. 3A-3C. To facilitate
comparison, two highly similar antimicrobial
guanidinium-functionalized polymers without having the butyl spacer
group of Structure I were also tested. In this regard, the
comparison polymers tested respectively have Structures IV and V
below:
##STR00006##
[0059] It is important to note that the comparison Structures IV
and V differ from Structure I only with respect to the spacer group
that connects the cationic guanidinium moiety to the polycarbonate
polymer backbone unit. In this regard, instead of a butyl group,
Structure IV comprises an ethyl spacer group and Structure V
comprises a propyl spacer group. However, as demonstrated below,
although the difference between Structures I and IV or Structures I
and V appears to be only a slight change to the chemical structure
of the spacer group, this slight change has been found to provide
remarkable and unexpected differences in the physical structure and
antimicrobial properties of the subject guanidinium based polymers
when provided in aqueous solution with a CMC of 118 mg/L. As
described herein, these markedly improved antimicrobial properties
are attributed to the unique and unexpected chemical/structural
nature of the guanidinium functionalized polymers having the butyl
spacer group (Structure I) to form the disclosed micelle
nanostructures.
[0060] In this regard, FIG. 3A presents an example, non-limiting
graph 301 that demonstrates self-assembly of one or more
guanidinium-functionalized polymers having Structure I (e.g.,
Dp_20) in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
In accordance with graph 301, the CMC values were determined from
plot of intensity ratios .lamda.335/.lamda.334 from fluorescence
spectra of pyrene in PBS buffer at 25.degree. C. FIG. 3B presents
an example, non-limiting chart 302 demonstrating critical micelle
concentration (CMC) values of one or more
guanidinium-functionalized polymers having Structure I (e.g.,
Dp_20) in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.
In accordance with graph 302, the DLS size distribution of pBut_20
was determined in PBS buffer (1.0 .mu.g/mL). FIG. 3C presents an
example graph 303 illustrating the results of the .sup.1H NMR
spectra of pBut_20 in MeOD and D.sub.2O, in accordance with one or
more embodiments described herein.
[0061] With reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, as shown in graph 301, it was
clearly observed that polymers having Structure I (e.g., Dp_20),
formed micelles in PBS buffer and its CMC value is 118 mg/L. In
contrast, comparative guanidinium functionalized polymers without
butyl spacer groups having Structures IV and V respectively, did
not form micelles under the same conditions. This result indicates
that increasing the length of the hydrophobic alkyl spacer
significantly enhanced the overall hydrophobicity of the polymer,
leading to the formation of the micelles. The micelles formed from
Structure I shielded the hydrophobic domain of the polymer in the
micellar core, which is helpful to lessen toxicity upon in vitro
injection. As shown in graph 302, the mean diameter of the micelles
was determined to be 189 nm in PBS buffer with a single size
distribution (polydispersity index: 0.33). As shown in graph 303,
the formation of the micelles from polymers having Structure I
(e.g., pBut_20) in aqueous solution was also confirmed by analysis
of the proton NMR. As compared to the spectrum of pBut_20 in MeOD,
the peaks of the protons on the carbonate backbone (H-a) and those
of the hydrophobic alkyl groups (H-b, H-c and H-d) were broadened
in D.sub.2O due to the restricted movement of the molecules in the
micelles.
[0062] The guanidinium-based polymers disclosed herein having
Structures I, II, III and the like have demonstrated strong
efficacy as antimicrobial agents against both Gram-negative and
Gram-positive microbes, including MDR microbes, such as but not
limited to: K pneumoniae, A. baumannii, E. coli, S. aureus, MRSA,
and P. aeruginosa. For example, with respect to MDR K. pneumonia,
the subject guanidinium-based polymers have also demonstrated high
efficacy (e.g., a 100% bacterial apoptosis rate) at relatively low
minimum inhibitory concentration MIC. In this regard, the MIC value
at which 100% of the K. pneumoniae bacterial growth was inhibited
(referred to as MIC100), was only 8 parts per million (ppm) in
milligrams per liter (mg/L) against 4 out of 25 clinically isolated
MDR K. pneumoniae strains, 16 mg/L against 11 out of 25 strains, 32
mg/L against 5 out of 25 strains, and 64 mg/L against 5 out of 25
strains (as shown in FIG. 5 below). In addition, the MIC100
concentrations for various different strains of the aforementioned
Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria ranged between only 4.0
ppm and 16.0 ppm (measured in mg/L) as shown in FIG. 4. In
addition, the subject guanidinium based polymers having Structures
I, II, III and the like, demonstrated low effective dose amounts
against K. pneumoniae 9170 in vivo, demonstrated by an ED50 of less
than 2.0 mg/kg and an ED95 less than 8.5 mg/kg), while further
demonstrating extremely low toxicity, demonstrated by an LD50 of
158.0 mg/kilogram (mg/kg) and an LD5 of 141.8 mg/kg, respectively.
In this regard, the subject guanidinium-based polymers exhibited a
therapeutic index (measured as LD50/ED5) of almost 90, which is
extremely high. The subject guanidinium based polymers also
demonstrated rapid kill-times relative to imipenem (e.g., at only
about 75 minutes as opposed to more than 180 minutes to kill 99.9%
of MDR K. pneumoniae, i.e. 3 log reduction in the bacterial
counts), which was shortened significantly (e.g., 30 minutes and 15
minutes, respectively) with dosage increases of 2.times. and
4.times. (a shown in FIG. 6 infra). Unlike antibiotics, the subject
guanidinium-based polymers further exhibited strong immunity to
development of medication/antibacterial agent resistance
(demonstrated by no change in MIC after 20 repeat administrations
at sub-lethal dosage amounts), as shown in FIG. 8 infa.
[0063] In this regard, the efficacy, killing kinetics, toxicity and
medication/antibacterial agent resistance development
characteristics of the subject guanidinium-based polymers having
Structure I was tested in vitro and in vivo (e.g., in a mouse
model), against clinically isolated bacterial strains, including
MDR K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, E. coli, P. aeruginousa, E.
faecium, and MRSA strains. All isolates were identified by routine
laboratory methods and stored in 20% (v/v) glycerol at -80.degree.
C. The MDR clinical isolates were obtained from patients' blood and
phlegm. To facilitate comparison, the similar antimicrobial
guanidinium-functionalized polymers having Structure IV and
Structure V respectively (e.g., without having the butyl spacer
group of Structure I) were also tested.
[0064] The efficacy, killing kinetics, toxicity, and
medication/antibacterial agent resistance development
characteristics of the subject guanidinium based polymers having
Structures I, IV, and V were also tested against the clinically
isolated pathogens in comparison to various commercial antibiotics,
including imipenem, vancomycin, ceftriaxone, and gentamycin). The
in vitro tests are described with reference to FIGS. 4-8, and the
in vivo tests are described with reference to FIGS. 9-11.
[0065] In this regard, FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively illustrate the
MICs of guanidinium functionalized polymers having Structures I, IV
and V and antibiotics (ceftriaxone, gentamycin, imipenem, and
vancomycin) against the clinical isolates mentioned above. The MICs
of the guanidinium functionalized polymers and the respective
antibiotics against the clinical isolates were measured via the
broth microdilution method. In accordance with the broth
microdilution method, the MDR microbes including one or more
strains of K. pneumoniae, E. coli, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, E.
coli, E. faecium, and MRSA were harvested in mid exponential growth
phase after grown overnight in Mueller-Hinton (MH) agar plates at
37.degree. C. The antimicrobial agents were prepared in MH broth
(MHB) at various concentrations. The bacteria suspensions were then
diluted with phosphate-buffer saline (PBS, PH 7.4) to adjust the
turbidity approximately to the Standard McFarland 0.6, which
corresponds to the concentration of 1.times.10.sup.8 colony-forming
unit (CFU)/mL, after which the bacteria suspension was further
diluted by 100-fold with MHB (1.times.10.sup.6 CFU/mL).
Subsequently, equal volumes (100 microliters (.mu.L)) of bacterial
suspension and agent solution prepared previously were mixed in
each well of a 96-well plate and incubated for 18 h at 37.degree.
C. Broth containing bacteria alone was employed as the negative
control, and each MIC was tested in triplicate. The results are
presented in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0066] In this regard, FIG. 4 presents an example, non-limiting
table 400 comparing the MIC values (measured in mg/L) of the tested
antimicrobial agents against various different types and strains of
MDR clinically isolated bacterial. The MIC values reported via
table 400 respectively represent the lowest concentration of the
tested antimicrobial agents at which no visible turbidity was
observed with unaided eyes, or 100% bacterial growth inhibition. To
facilitate comparison, imipenem and vancomycin, typical first-line
therapies against Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens, were
employed as standards or control antibiotics. Unlike the control
antibiotics, the three different guanidinium functional
polycarbonates respectively exhibited a broad-spectrum of
antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive
strains. In this regard, imipenem only demonstrated efficacy
against the Gram-negative strains (e.g., the K. pneumoniae (K.P.),
E. coli (E.C.), and A. baumannii (A.B.) strains), and vancomycin
only demonstrated efficacy against Gram-positive strains (e.g., E.
Faecium (E.F.) and the methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MSRA)
strains). In addition, the respective guanidinium functionalized
polymers exhibited relatively low MIC values across the board,
ranging from 4.0 to 64.0 mg/L. However, relative to Structure IV
and Structure V, the majority of these bacteria were more
susceptible to the disclosed subject guanidinium functionalized
polymers having Structure I with the longer butyl spacer.
[0067] FIG. 5 presents an example, non-limiting table 500 providing
the cumulative distribution of MIC values (in mg/mL) for the three
guanidinium functionalized polymers respectively having Structures
I, IV, and V, as well as antibiotics ceftriaxone, gentamycin, and
imipenem, against 25 clinical isolates of MDR K pneumoniae. The MIC
values reported via table 500 respectively represent the lowest
concentration of the tested antimicrobial agents at which no
visible turbidity was observed with unaided eyes, or 100% bacterial
growth inhibition. The MIC values, measured range from 1.0 mg/mL to
512 mg/mL (e.g., exponentially increased), and are presented at the
top of table 500 along the x-axis. The values provided within the
respective cells of table 500 and correspond to different degrees
(e.g., percentages) of bacterial growth inhibition observed at the
respective MIC values. In this regard, a value of 100 for Structure
I corresponds to 100% bacterial strains (i.e. 25 out of 25 strains)
which have the particular MIC value (64 mg/mL) or below, a value of
80 corresponds to 80% bacterial strains (i.e. 20 out of 25 strains)
which have the particular MIC value (32 mg/mL) or below, a value of
60 corresponds to 60% bacterial strains (i.e. 15 out of 25 strains)
which have the particular MIC value (16 mg/mL) or below, and so
on.
[0068] As shown in table 500, to inhibit the growth of 25 MDR K.
pneumoniae strains, 512, 256 and 64 mg/mL is needed for Structure
IV polymers, Structure V polymers, and Structure I polymers,
respectively. In this regard, the guanidinium functionalized
polymers having Structure I demonstrated significantly superior in
vitro antimicrobial efficacy relative to ceftriaxone, gentamycin
and imipenem. Moreover, consistent with Table 400, the results
presented in table 500 show that the guanidinium functionalized
polymer having Structure I is substantially more potent than the
comparative guanidinium functionalized polymers having Structures
IV and V against clinically isolated MDR K. pneumoniae strains.
[0069] In addition to the in vitro MIC studies discussed above, an
in vitro time-killing assay was employed to understand the
bactericidal activity of the subject guanidinium functionalized
polymers having Structure I against K. pneumoniae 9170. The time
killing assay compared the in vitro killing activity verses time of
guanidinium functionalized polymers having Structure I with the
alternative guanidinium functionalized polymers having Structures
IV and Structure V, as well as imipenem. In accordance with the
time-kill assay, the bacteria were suspended in MHB to achieve a
final concentration of 1.times.10.sup.6 CFU/ml. Then the sample was
treated with polymers and imipenem at concentrations of 1.times.,
2.times., and 4.times.MIC for 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180
minutes. At these time points, the samples were pipetted out and
further diluted with different dilution factors. Finally, 50 .mu.L
of each diluted solution was plated on a MH agar plate and
incubated for 24 hours at 37.degree. C. An untreated inoculum group
was also employed as a negative control. Each test was carried out
in triplicates and the results were measured as mean log 10 (lg)
(CFU/mL).+-.standard deviation (SD). The results are presented in
FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0070] FIG. 6A presents charts 601, 602, and 603, which
respectively depict time to kill curves the tested antimicrobials
and negative control at different MIC concentrations. FIG. 6B
presents charts 604, 605, and 606 which respectively depict changes
in CFU (measured in mean lg (CFU/mL).+-.SD) for polymer having
Structure IV (chart 604), polymer having Structure V (chart 605),
and polymer having Structure I (chart 606). As shown in FIGS. 6A
and 6B, each of the respective polymers having Structure I (S-I),
Structure IV (S-IV), and Structure V (S-V), respectively displayed
a dose-dependent bactericidal effect, while the activity of
imipenem was independent of dose. Taken as a group, the respective
polymers showed favorable kinetics to imipenem. For example, at
2.times.MIC concentration, for imipenem, S-IV, S-V, and S-I, it
took 180 min, 120 min, 30 min and 30 min, respectively, to kill
99.9% bacteria (3 log reduction in bacteria counts). However, in
addition to out-performing imipenem, the subject polymers having
Structure I (S-1) demonstrated the fastest killing kinetics
relative to the other active agents at all MIC concentrations.
Notably, after only 2.0 hours of exposure at 4.times.MIC
concentration, each of the polymers completely killed MDR K.
pneumoniae, whereas viable bacteria were still observed for the
imipenem-treated sample. Further, the guanidinium functionalized
polymer having Structure-I completely killed the MDR K. pneumoniae
after only 30 minutes of exposure at 4.times.MIC, twice as fast as
the next comparable polymer having structure V and four times as
fast as the polymer having structure IV. These results demonstrate
a rapid dose-dependent bactericidal effect for the subject
guanidinium functionalized polymers with butyl spacer groups having
Structure I. These remarkable killing efficacy kinetics suggest the
ability of the subject guanidinium functionalized polymers having
Structure I to restrain not only routine K. pneumoniae infections
but also shock (e.g., as a result of decreased secretion of endo-
and exotoxins) and other complications associated with MDR K.
pneumoniae infection.
[0071] The quantitative cytosolic material leakage study was
conducted using the subject guanidinium functionalized polymers in
comparison with membrane-lytic antimicrobial polymyxin B and
beta-sheet forming antimicrobial peptide IRIKIRIK. In accordance
with the cytosolic material leakage study, K. pneumoniae 9170 was
suspended in PBS to a concentration of 2.times.10.sup.9 CFU/mL. The
antimicrobial agents were added to the bacteria suspension at a
concentration of 1/2 MIB, 1.times.MBC and 2.times.MBC (MBC, minimum
bactericidal concentration at which 99.9% bacterial cells are
killed). The untreated bacteria suspension was used as control. All
samples were incubated for 2.0 hours at 37.degree. C. After
incubation, the samples were filtered with a 0.22 micrometer
(.mu.m) filter to separate the bacteria from the supernatant. The
supernatant was subsequently measured for its absorbance using the
Thermo Scientific NanoDrop 2000 spectrophotometer based on UV
absorption at 260 nm. The results are shown in FIG. 7.
[0072] In this regard, FIG. 7 provides a graph 700 illustrating the
cytosolic materials leakage from K. pneumoniae 9170 after 2.0 hours
treatment with the three polymers having Structures I, IV, and V at
concentrations of 1/2 MIB, 1.times.MBC and 2.times.MBC. Untreated
bacteria suspension was used as control. Compared to the
membrane-lytic antimicrobial agents (polymyxin B and beta-sheet
forming peptide), the three polymers caused significantly lower
leakage of the cytosolic materials at both 1/2 MBC and 1.times.MBC.
These results indicate that the polymers killed K. pneumoniae
mainly based on membrane translocation followed by precipitation of
cytosolic materials. During membrane translocation, it also causes
membrane disruption to a certain degree.
[0073] FIG. 8 illustrates an example, non-limiting graph 800 that
demonstrates the antibiotic resistance development properties of K.
pneumoniae against various antimicrobial agents in accordance with
one or more embodiments disclosed herein. In this regard, graph 800
demonstrates the robustness the guanidinium polymers having
Structures I, IV and V against the development of antibiotic
resistant K. pneumoniae 9170 compared to the commercial antibiotics
levofloxacin and imipenem. To test bacterial resistance and
resistance prevention, a sub-lethal dose (so as to not kill all
bacteria) of the respective antimicrobials was repeatedly applied
to K. pneumoniae samples for 24 hours at each passage, wherein the
bacteria were allowed to replicate and/or mutate. MIC values of the
respective antimicrobials were then measured after each repetition
to monitor MIC changes. An increase in MIC value indicates
development of resistance in the bacteria. In particular, samples
of K. pneumoniae 9170 bacteria were first exposed to the respective
antimicrobials (e.g., All polymers having Structures I, IV and V,
imipenem and levofloxacin) for the determination of MICs as
described above. Subsequently, 50 .mu.L of bacteria from wells of
0.5.times.MIC were harvested and grown overnight, and then
subjected to MIC determination for up to 20 similar serial passages
(e.g., 20 single applications once a day for 20 days).
[0074] The development of medication/antibacterial agent resistance
in K. pneumoniae was monitored by recording the changes in the MIC
as shown via graph 800. Unfortunately, antibiotic resistance has
raised a global concern over the past few years. However, as shown
in graph 800, after serial passaging of K. pneumoniae 9170 at
sub-lethal concentrations the MICs of the three polymers against
this strain remained constant throughout the entire experiment,
while the MICs of levofloxacin and imipenem suddenly increased as
much as 2 times by the 7.sup.th and 11.sup.th passage,
respectively. Moreover, by the 20.sup.th passage the MIC's of
levofloxacin and imipenem increased 16 and 4-fold, respectively.
These results demonstrate that the guanidinium functionalized
polymers, including the polymers having Structure I as described
herein, can effectively prevent resistance development, and thus
prove to be beneficial in clinical settings in treating MDR K.
pneumoniae infections.
[0075] In addition to the in vitro studies discussed above, FIGS.
9-11 demonstrate the antimicrobial efficacy of the subject
guanidinium-based macromolecules in treating K. pneumoniae 9170 in
vivo. In this regard, the subject guanidinium-based macromolecules
having Structure I were tested relative to comparative polymers
having Structures IV and V and imipenem in a mouse model. In this
regard, immunosuppressed mice (7 weeks old) were used for the
following in vivo studies. Immunosuppression was induced by
intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg cyclophosphamide 4 days
prior to infection. The mice were anesthetized by intraperitoneal
injection of 1% pentobarbital (40 mg/kg, Sigma). The mice were then
infected with K. pneumoniae 9170 to determine the minimum lethal
dose for subsequent effective does and efficacy testing. Overnight
cultures of K. pneumoniae 9170 were harvested and suspended in PBS.
Subsequently, the cyclophosphamide-pretreated mice were
intranasally injected with 25.0 .mu.L of the bacterial suspension
at designated doses (e.g., 1.0.times.10.sup.8, 2.5.times.10.sup.8,
5.times.10.sup.8, 1.0.times.10.sup.9, 2.0.times.10.sup.9 CFU/mL,
six mice per group). The minimum lethal dose (LD), the lowest
concentration sufficient to cause 100% mortality, was determined
from the survival rate of mice at 5 days post-infection by the
BLISS method.
[0076] FIG. 9 provides a table 900 that presents the results of the
following in vivo efficacy and toxicity tests respectively measured
as a function of ED50/ED95 (the effective doses that cure 50% and
95% of infected mice, respectively,), and LD50/LD5 (the lethal
doses that kill 50% and 5% of the infected mice, respectively). The
effective doses ED50 and ED95 doses of the respective polymers and
imipenem for comparison, were tested using a bacteria-caused lung
infection mouse model as follows. Firstly, a bacterial suspension
with the minimum lethal dose (25.0 .mu.L) was introduced to the
above described cyclophosphamide-pretreated mice intranasally. The
antimicrobial agents (e.g., the respective polymers and imipenem)
were then respectively administered to different groups of mice
(six mice per group) intraperitoneally, once daily for 3 days
starting at 4.0 hours after infection at designated doses (e.g.,
0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg/kg for the polymers, and 1.0, 2.0, 5.0,
10.0, 20.0 mg/kg for imipenem, 0.2 mL/20 g, six mice per group).
The number of surviving mice in each group was recorded for 5.0 day
to estimate ED50 and ED95 via the BLISS method.
[0077] In vivo toxicity assessment used to determine the LD50 and
LD5 of the same antimicrobial agents were tested as follows. The
immunosuppressed mice were randomly divided into six groups (six
mice per group). After dissolved in PBS, the polymers were
administered intraperitoneally twice daily for 3.0 days at
designated doses (e.g., 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 mg/kg for the polymer
having Structures IV and V, and 140, 150, 160, 170,180 mg/kg for
the polymer having Structure I, 0.2 mL/20 g, six mice per group).
The number of surviving mice in each group was monitored for 7
days, and the values of LD50 (a dose at which half the mice are
killed) and LD5 (a dose at which 5% of the mice are killed) were
estimated by using the BLISS method. Afterwards, their toxicity
towards major organs, such as liver, kidney, as well as the balance
of electrolytes in the blood was evaluated.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 9, the three polymers having Structures I,
IV and V showed outstanding in vivo efficacy against pneumoniae
caused by MDR K. pneumoniae, with ED50 levels of 3.79 mg/kg for
Structure IV, 2.97 mg/kg for Structure V, and 1.78 mg/kg for
Structure I, all of which performed better than imipenem (with an
ED50 of 5.93 mg/kg). The LD50 levels for the respective polymers
also demonstrated substantially low toxicity. Of significant
importance however is the huge jump in the therapeutic index (which
is a combined function of a difference between the LD50 value and
the ED50 value) of the subject antimicrobial guanidinium
functionalized polymer having Structure I. In this regard, the
therapeutic index jumps from 11.6 for Structure IV and 25. 1 for
Structure V to 88.8 for Structure I. This substantial (e.g., about
7.times. and 3.times. increase) in the therapeutic window of the
subject guanidinium functionalized polymers indicates superior
performance as potent antibacterial agent for MDR K pneumoniae
infections and associated complications.
[0079] For further evaluating the in vivo anti-infective activities
of the polymers, the number of bacteria in the blood, lung, liver,
spleen and kidney of the tested mice were counted in according with
the following protocol. Firstly, after anesthetized, the
immunocompromised mice were instilled intranasally with
2.5.times.10.sup.7 CFUs (three mice per group) of K. pneumoniae
9170. Then, mice were injected intraperitoneally with PBS,
imipenem, and the respective polymers once daily for 3.0 days
starting at 4.0 hours after infection at doses of ED50 (5.9 mg/kg
for imipenem, 3.8 mg/kg for the polymer having Structure IV, 3.0
mg/kg for the polymer having Structure V, and 1.8 mg/kg for the
polymer having Structure I. At 5.0 days post-infection, all mice
were sacrificed to obtain blood and organs sample. Organs were
removed and homogenized in 2.0 mL of PBS. The blood and homogenate
samples were serially diluted and plated on MH agar plates and
incubated overnight at 37.degree. C. The number of bacterial
colonies was then counted and the results were measures as mean lg
(CFU/mL).+-.SD. The results are shown in FIG. 10
[0080] In this regard, FIG. 10 presents a graph 1000 demonstrating
the bacterial count of K. pneumoniae 9170 remaining in the lung,
blood, liver, spleen and kidneys of the infected mice after 5.0
days post infection and treatment with the respective
antimicrobials. The PBS and imipenem treatment were used as
controls. In the embodiment shown, a significant reduction in the
number of viable bacteria in each organ was observed after
treatment with the respective polymers. However, the subject
guanidinium functionalized polymers having Structure I still
out-performed the other two polymers with the lowest concentration
of bacteria remaining in all tested organs, demonstrating its
potential in vivo antimicrobial activities.
[0081] Finally, to survey if the subject guanidinium functionalized
polymers having Structure I could decrease infection-induced tissue
injury, the morphological alterations in the lungs of infected mice
were investigated by haemotoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The
results are presented in FIG. 11. In this regard, FIG. 11 presents
morphological images of lung injury in infected mice as assessed by
H&E staining histological analysis. In accordance with the
example histological analysis, the immunosuppressed mice were
administered intra-nasally with K. pneumoniae 9170. At 4.0 hours
post-infection, the mice received PBS (e.g., no treatment),
imipenem, the polymer having Structure IV, the polymer having
Structure V, and the polymer having Structure I, lung excised from
normal mice was employed as the control. The results of the control
are presented in image A, the results of the PBS are shown in image
B, the results of imipenem treatment are shown in image C, the
results of treatment with the polymer having Structure IV are shown
in image D, the results of treatment with the polymer having
Structure V are shown in image E, and the results of treatment with
the polymer having Structure I are shown in image F. As shown in
image B, the infected mice without treatment displayed inflammatory
features, including inflammatory cells penetration, tissue damage
and pulmonary carnification. Conversely, the lungs of mice treated
with the polymers exhibited significantly reduced inflammation and
tissue damage caused by the bacteria, wherein the treatment with
the polymer having Structure I demonstrated the best performance.
In this regard, comparison of image F and A reveals the treatment
with the polymer having Structure I returned the lungs to
substantially normal condition. Importantly, the treatments with
the polymers did not cause damage to the healthy organs (heart,
liver, kidney and spleen).
[0082] FIGS. 12-13 illustrate various methodologies in accordance
with the disclosed subject matter. While, for purposes of
simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and
described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and
appreciated that the disclosed subject matter is not limited by the
order of acts, as some acts can occur in different orders and/or
concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein.
For example, those skilled in the art will understand and
appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented as
a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state
diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts can be required to
implement a methodology in accordance with the disclosed subject
matter. Repetitive description of like elements employed in
respective embodiments is omitted for sake of brevity.
[0083] FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting method 1200 that can facilitate generating one or more
antimicrobial guanidinium polymers in accordance with one or more
embodiments described herein. At 1202, a nucleophile initiator can
be dissolved with a guanidinium functionalized monomer in a
solvent, wherein the guanidinium functionalized monomer comprises a
polycarbonate unit with a cationic guanidinium moiety bound to the
polycarbonate unit via a butyl group. As a result, at 1204 the
guanidinium functionalized monomer can be polymerized to form a
polymer, wherein the polymer comprises a plurality of covalently
bonded units of the guanidinium functionalized monomer, and
distribution of hydrophobic and hydrophilic residuals that causes
the polymer to self-assemble into a micelle structure in aqueous
solution.
[0084] FIG. 13 illustrates a flow diagram of another example,
non-limiting method 1300 that can facilitate generating one or more
guanidinium polymers in accordance with one or more embodiments
described herein. At 1302, a nucleophile initiator can be dissolved
with a guanidinium functionalized monomer in a solvent, wherein the
guanidinium functionalized monomer comprises cyclic carbonate with
a protected guanidinium moiety bound to the cyclic carbonate via a
butyl. At 1304, an organocatalyzed ring opening polymerization of
the cyclic carbonate can be initiated using the nucleophile
initiator to form a first polymer, wherein the first polymer
comprises a plurality of covalently bonded units of the guanidinium
functionalized monomer. At 1306, protection groups from the
protected guanidinium moiety can be removed, thereby forming a
second polymer, wherein the second polymer is effective at killing
Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria.
[0085] FIG. 14 illustrates a high-level flow diagram of an example,
non-limiting method that can facilitate killing of a pathogen with
one or more guanidinium macromolecules in accordance with one or
more embodiments described herein.
[0086] At 1402, a bacteria microbe can be contacted with an
antimicrobial polymer having a micelle structure in an aqueous
solution, wherein the micelle structure locates hydrophobic
residuals of the antimicrobial polymer inside the micelle structure
and cationic guanidinium moieties exposed on an external surface of
the micelle structure. At 1404, based on the contacting, charge
naturalization of the bacterial membrane is facilitated via a
counterion exchange between the cationic guanidinium moieties and
negatively charged phosphate groups on the bacterial membrane. At
1406, translocation of the antimicrobial polymer through the
bacterial membrane is further facilitated based on the charge
neutralization.
[0087] The various structures and compositions described with
reference to FIGS. 1-14 herein can regard chemical compounds that
can be incorporated into a variety of applications. For example,
said applications can include therapeutics, cleaning, sanitizing,
disinfecting, and/or otherwise treating various articles such as,
but not limited to: food packaging, medical devices, floor
surfaces, furniture surfaces, wound care instruments (e.g.,
bandages and/or gauss), building surfaces, agriculture including
animals and plants (e.g., agricultural crops), ground surfaces,
farming equipment, beds, sheets, clothes, blankets, shoes, doors,
door frames, walls, ceilings, mattresses, light fixtures, facets,
switches, sinks, grab rails, remote controls, vanities, computer
equipment, carts, trolleys, hampers, bins, a combination thereof,
and/or the like. In another example, said applications can include
pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical salts, hygiene products (e.g.,
soaps and/or shampoos), and/or the like. In a further example, said
applications can include agricultural sprays and/or aqueous
solutions that can facilitate processing crops for consumption, and
prevent as well as treat microbial infections in animals.
[0088] What has been described above includes mere examples of the
embodiments of the present invention. It is, of course, not
possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or
methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject
matter, but it is to be appreciated that many further combinations
and permutations of the subject innovation are possible.
Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all
such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within
the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the above
description of illustrated embodiments of the subject disclosure,
including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise
forms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are
described in this disclosure for illustrative purposes, various
modifications are possible that are considered within the scope of
such embodiments and examples, as those skilled in the relevant art
can recognize.
[0089] In this regard, with respect to any figure or numerical
range for a given characteristic, a figure or a parameter from one
range may be combined with another figure or a parameter from a
different range for the same characteristic to generate a numerical
range. Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise
indicated, all numbers, values and/or expressions referring to
quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, etc., used in the
specification and claims are to be understood as modified in all
instances by the term "about."
[0090] While there has been illustrated and described what are
presently considered to be example features, it will be understood
by those skilled in the art that various other modifications may be
made, and equivalents may be substituted, without departing from
claimed subject matter. Additionally, many modifications may be
made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of claimed
subject matter without departing from the central concept described
herein. Therefore, it is intended that claimed subject matter not
be limited to the particular examples disclosed, but that such
claimed subject matter may also include all aspects falling within
the scope of appended claims, and equivalents thereof.
[0091] In addition, while a particular feature of the subject
innovation may have been disclosed with respect to only one of
several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or
more other features of the other implementations as may be desired
and advantageous for any given or particular application.
Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes," "including,"
"has," "contains," variants thereof, and other similar words are
used in either the detailed description or the claims, these terms
are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising" as an open transition word without precluding any
additional or other elements.
[0092] Moreover, the words "example" or "exemplary" are used in
this disclosure to mean serving as an example, instance, or
illustration. Any aspect or design described in this disclosure as
"exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the
words "example" or "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a
concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is
intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or".
That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X
employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive
permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs
both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the
foregoing instances. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used
in this application and the appended claims should generally be
construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear
from context to be directed to a singular form.
* * * * *