Influence of storage on the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of a nisin-biogel with potential to be applied to diabetic foot infections treatment

Rui Silva Soares, Raquel Santos, Eva Cunha, Luís Tavares, Alexandre Trindade, Manuela Oliveira

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is the most prevalent pathogen in diabetic foot infections (DFIs). In addition to its ability to express several virulence factors, including the formation of recalcitrant biofilms, S. aureus is also becoming increasingly resistant to most antibiotics used in clinical practice. The search for alternative treatment strategies for DFI is urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), namely, nisin, are emerging as potential new therapeutics for managing DFIs. Our team has developed a nisin-guar gum biogel to be applied to DFIs. In this study, to confirm its future in vivo applicability, we evaluated the influence of four storage temperatures (−20 C, 4 C, 22 C, and 37 C) during a 24 months storage period on its antimicrobial activity towards DFI S. aureus, and its cytotoxicity, to a human keratinocyte cell line. When stored at temperatures below 22 C, the biogel antimicrobial activity was not significantly influenced by storage duration or temperature. Moreover, nisin incorporated within the guar gum biogel exhibited no significant levels of cytotoxicity on human keratinocyte cells, confirming its potential for DFIs therapeutics. In conclusion, results confirm that the nisin-biogel is a potential candidate to be used as an alternative or complement compound for conventional DFI therapeutics.

Original languageEnglish
Article number0781
Pages (from-to)1-9
Number of pages9
JournalAntibiotics
Volume9
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Antimicrobial peptide
  • Cytotoxicity
  • Diabetic foot infections
  • Diabetic foot ulcers
  • Guar gum
  • Nisin
  • Staphylococcus aureus

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