Conjugation of Silver Nanoparticles with De Novo-Engineered Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides: Exploratory Proposal

0Citations
Citations of this article
23Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.
Get full text

Abstract

Background: Cationic antimicrobial peptides have broad antimicrobial activity and provide a novel way of targeting multidrug-resistant bacteria in the era of increasing antimicrobial resistance. Current developments show positive prospects for antimicrobial peptides and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) individually. Objective: The primary objective is to propose another method for enhancing antimicrobial activity by conjugating AgNPs with cationic antimicrobial peptides, with a subsequent preliminary assessment of the minimum inhibitory concentration of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The secondary objective is to evaluate the safety of the conjugated compound and assess its viability for in vivo use. Methods: The proposal involves 3 stages. First, WLBU2C, a modified version of the antimicrobial peptide WLBU2 with an added cysteine group, needs to be synthesized using a standard Fmoc procedure. It can then be stably conjugated with AgNPs ideally through photochemical means. Second, the WLBU2C-AgNP conjugate should be tested for antimicrobial activity according to the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute manual on standard minimum inhibitory concentration testing. Third, the cytotoxicity of the conjugate should be tested using cell lysis assays if the above stages are completed. Results: I-TASSER (iterative threading assembly refinement) simulation revealed that the modified peptide WLBU2C has a secondary structure similar to that of the original WLBU2 peptide. No other results have been obtained at this time. Conclusions: The addition of AgNPs to already developed de novo-engineered antimicrobial peptides provides an opportunity for the development of potent antimicrobials. Future prospects include emergency last-line therapy and treatment for current difficult-to-eradicate bacterial colonization, such as in cystic fibrosis, implantable medical devices, cancer, and immunotherapy. As I do not anticipate funding at this time, I hope this proposal provides inspiration to other researchers.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Hu, A. (2021). Conjugation of Silver Nanoparticles with De Novo-Engineered Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides: Exploratory Proposal. JMIR Research Protocols, 10(12). https://doi.org/10.2196/28307

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free