Elastin-based silver-binding proteins with antibacterial capabilities

Abstract

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.