Elastin-based silver-binding proteins with antibacterial capabilities.

AIM

To develop novel elastin-like materials with antibacterial capabilities.

MATERIALS & METHODS: Artificial proteins bearing AG3 silver-binding motifs (GPG-AG3) were constructed using genetic engineering. GPG-AG3 materials were prepared as GPG-AG3 protein aggregates as well as chemically crosslinked spin-coated thin films. Both GPG-AG3 protein aggregates and thin films were incubated in silver nitrate solution and characterized using electron microscopy.

RESULTS & DISCUSSION: The GPG-AG3 substrates prepared in this work have the ability to nucleate silver under physiological conditions. When tested against gram-negative Escherichia coli bacterial culture, silver-coated GPG-AG3 materials were able to inhibit bacterial growth, confirming their antibacterial properties.

CONCLUSION

Antibacterial artificial protein materials were successfully developed, demonstrating promise for use as wound dressings and biomedical implant coatings.