An
aqueous dispersion of polyethylenimine-modified graphene oxide
(PEI-GO) was prepared via a one-step synthesis through an epoxy ring-opening
reaction. PEI-GO exhibited bacterial growth inhibition activity on
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
with a minimum inhibitory concentration as low as 8 μg mL–1. Time–kill curve assay and SYTOX Green assay
showed the antibacterial activity and bacteria cell membrane permeability
of PEI-GO, respectively. Most importantly, when PEI-GO was employed
at 1–2 μg mL–1, a synergistic effect
with daptomycin to resensitize daptomycin-resistant MRSA was revealed.
A synergistic effect between PEI-GO and daptomycin provides a possible
way to increase bacterial killing and reduce the development of daptomycin
resistance. The antibacterial activity of PEI-GO is attributed to
the damaged cell membrane caused by the sharp edge and chain structure
of the PEI-GO nanosheets as well as the high density of amine groups
present in the PEI chains. Our results indicate that PEI-GO dispersion
has a great potential for clinical pathogenic bacteria treatment.
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