Fluorescent nitric oxide donor for the detection and killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

J Mater Chem B. 2019 Mar 28;7(12):2009-2018. doi: 10.1039/c8tb02552e. Epub 2019 Feb 11.

Abstract

The epidemic of multidrug-resistant bacteria calls for the improvement of both detection methods for bacterial infections and methods of treatment. Nitric oxide is a known potent antibacterial agent, but due to its gaseous and highly reactive nature, it is difficult to incorporate into a stable antibacterial compound. In this paper, we synthesize a nitric oxide donor attached to a fluorescent compound, creating a material that can both detect and kill the deadly multi-drug resistant bacteria strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Detection occurs through a bacterial enzyme-activated color change, showing a clear and obvious change from blue to yellow under UV light. The synthesized compound spontaneously releases 853 μmol of nitric oxide/g from a 10 mM initial concentration. Antibacterial efficacy studies after exposing Pseudomonas aeruginosa to a 10 mM dose of the synthesized compound show a 55-75% reduction in bacteria after 24 hours. This work is the first instance of a small molecule dual-function material that can both detect and kill bacteria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Fluorescence
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism*
  • Nitric Oxide Donors / pharmacology*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Nitric Oxide Donors
  • Nitric Oxide