Fewer Bacteria Adhere to Softer Hydrogels

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b04269
• Publication Date: 2015-08-20T15:36:39Z
• Authors: Kristopher W. Kolewe; Shelly R. Peyton; Jessica D. Schiffman
• Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus; Microscopy, Confocal; Elastic Modulus; Escherichia coli; Methacrylates; Hydrogels; 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; Bacterial Adhesion; Polyethylene Glycols; 3. Good health

Clinically, biofilm-associated infections commonly form on intravascular catheters and other hydrogel surfaces. The overuse of antibiotics to treat these has led the spread antibiotic resistance underscores importance developing alternative strategies that delay onset biofilm formation. Previously, it been reported during surface contact, bacteria can detect surfaces through subtle changes in function their motors. However, how stiffness a polymer influences initial attachment is unknown. Systematically, we investigated poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) agar hydrogels were 20 times thicker than cumulative size bacterial cell appendages, as Young's moduli. Soft (44.05–308.5 kPa), intermediate (1495–2877 stiff (5152–6489 kPa) synthesized. Escherichia coli Staphylococcus aureus onto was analyzed using confocal microscopy after 2 24 h incubation periods. Independent chemistry time, E. S. correlated positively increasing stiffness. For example, period, there 52 82% fewer adhered soft PEGDMA hydrogels, respectively. A 62 79% reduction area coverage by Gram-positive microbe occurred versus hydrogels. We suggest an easily tunable variable could potentially be used synergistically with traditional antimicrobial reduce early adhesion therefore occurrence infections.