Matrix Metalloproteinase Coated- and Ag-Encapsulated Polydopamine Nanoparticles with Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activities

The effect of bacterial infection on wound healing process is a factor that can delay healing. Chronic wounds, such as those occur on diabetic patients are often colonized by bacteria, which can lead to deadly systemic infections. We have recently reported that Ag-encapsulated polydopamine nanoparticles (Ag-PDA-NPs) exhibit potent antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against a variety of bacteria, including gram-positive S. aureus and S. mutans, and gram-negative E. coli and P. aeruginosa (1, 2). In this study, we report on the antibacterial and wound healing activities of Ag-PDA-NPs, whose surface is decorated with the enzyme membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP). MT1-MMP is involved in cell migration process, where it degrades extracellular matrix to enable cell migration. The PDA-NPs were characterized by electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which confirmed the presence of Ag⁰ in the core of the particles, whereas the presence of MT1-MMP on the shell of the PDA-NPs was confirmed by zeta potential analysis, and immunochemically using an anti-MT1-MMP antibody. The hybrid PDA-NPs demonstrated low cell toxicity, while exhibited potent antibacterial activity. The particles also stimulated the migration of NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells, suggesting that MT1-MMP-modified Ag-PDA-NPs could be used as multi-functional topical intervention for infected chronic wounds.

1. Yeroslavsky, M. Richman, L. Dawidowicz and S. Rahimipour, Sonochemically produced polydopamine nanocapsules with selective antimicrobial activity. Chem. Commun., 2013, 49, 5721-5723.
2. Yeroslavsky, R. Lavi, A. Alishaev and S. Rahimipour, Sonochemically-Produced Metal-Containing Polydopamine Nanoparticles and Their Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity. Langmuir, 2016, 20, 5201–5212.