Antibacterial Evaluation of Lithium-Loaded Nanofibrous Poly(L-Lactic Acid) Membranes Fabricated via an Electrospinning Strategy

Abstract

Lithium (Li) reportedly has anti-bacterial properties. Thus, it is an ideal option to modify barrier membranes used for guided bone regeneration to inhibit the bacterial adhesion. The aims of this study were to fabricate and characterize nanofibrous poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) membranes containing Li, and investigate their antibacterial effects on Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in vitro. Li (5%Li, 10%Li, and 15%Li)-loaded nanofibrous PLLA membranes were fabricated using an electrospinning technique, and characterized via scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, a contact angle measuring device, and a universal testing machine. Sustained release of Li ions was measured over a 14-day period and biocompatibility of the Li-PLLA membranes was investigated. Evaluation of bacterial adhesion and antibacterial activity were conducted by bacterial colony counting, LIVE/DEAD staining and inhibition zone method using P.gingivalis and A.actinomycetemcomitans. Of the three Li-loaded membranes assessed, the 10%Li-PLLA membrane had the best mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Adhesion of both P.gingivalis and A.actinomycetemcomitans on Li-PLLA membranes was significantly lower than adhesion on pure PLLA membranes, particularly with regard to the 10%Li and 15%Li membranes. Significant antibacterial activity of Li-PLLA were also observed against according to the inhibition zone test. Given their better mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity, PLLAs with 10%Li are a better choice for future clinical utilization. The pronounced antibacterial effects of Li-loaded PLLA membranes sets the stage for further application in guided bone regeneration.

Antibacterial activity of multi-metallic (Ag–Cu–Li) nanorods with different metallic combination ratios against Staphylococcus aureus

“…The variation in chemistry of nanorods synthesis is extensive and results in differences in size, morphology, and performance [ 18 ]. In this study, silver copper synergistically mixed at a range of ratios in bimetallic (AgCu) alloys and trimetallic (AgCuLi) alloys.…”

“…CuPd, AuPd, FePd, and AgCu are examples of multi metallic nanorods having unique, magnetic, optical, physicochemical and antibacterial properties, compared with pure monometallic nanorods [14][15][16][17]. Lithium is not commonly used in the fabrication of nanorods although its antibacterial properties have been reported recently [18].…”

Li-Doped Bioactive Ceramics: Promising Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

“…To date, the antiviral activity of Li in different viruses (including porcine epidemic diarrhea, pseudorabies herpesvirus, Orthoreoviruses, and Coxsackievirus B3 virus) has been proved [ 193 , 194 , 195 , 196 ]. Additionally, its antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria (including Porphyromonas gingivalis , Francisella tularensis , Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Escherichia coli , Burkholderia pseudomallei , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) and Gram-positive bacteria (including Streptococcus pneumoniae , Streptococcus mutans , and Staphylococcus aureus ) has been reported [ 197 , 198 , 199 , 200 , 201 , 202 ]. A summary of the biological effects of Li and the relation between these effects and autophagy is presented in Figure 5 .…”

In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial potential of lithium complex against multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

“…However, with the rise of antimicrobial resistance all around the globe, alkali metal-based compounds have resurfaced as potential drug candidates ( 25 ). Among these alkali metals, lithium-based compounds are recently being highlighted for their antibacterial potential ( 26 , 27 ). Hence, in this study, lithium complex based on salicylic acid and 1,10-phenanthroline has been explored for its potency against multi-drug-resistant A. baumannii (MDRAB) through different experimental approaches.…”