Positively Charged Nanoaggregates Based on Zwitterionic Pillar[5]arene that Combat Planktonic Bacteria and Disrupt Biofilms

Abstract

Bacterial biofilms are difficult to eradicate because they are less susceptible to antibiotics and more easily develop resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new materials that can combat planktonic bacteria and disrupt established biofilms. To tackle this challenge, we design a multifunctional zwitterionic pillar[5]arene, which can self-assemble into weakly positively charged nanoaggregates that exhibit antibacterial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (DH5α) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (SH1000) bacterial strains in solution. In addition, the zwitterionic pillar[5]arene can efficiently disrupt pre-existing Escherichia coli (DH5α) biofilms and kill the biofilm-enclosed bacteria without rapid generation of resistance.