Scientists from the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata, have developed hydrogels with diverse bactericidal properties. This innovation has been achieved by manipulating the naturally occurring nucleoside molecule cytidine in the presence of silver acetate and phenylboronic acid. The resultant hydrogel demonstrates antimicrobial action against gram-negative bacterial strains like E.coli.
Taming the Toxicity of Silver Acetate
While silver is recognized for its antibacterial characteristics, its toxic profile limits its usability. However, by incorporating silver acetate into the hydrogel structure, the toxicity was mitigated, making the novel medium an asset for bacterial treatment. The presence of silver in the hydrogel impedes E.coli cell growth and disrupts cell membranes, resulting in leakage of cellular materials. Moreover, this innovative hydrogel was found to be safe for normal kidney epithelial cells and red blood cells.
Role of Boronic Acid in Hydrogel
The boronic acid component of the hydrogel allows the creation of a multitude of hydrogels with myriad bactericidal properties. By simply altering the boronic acid constituent, one can control the antibacterial capabilities of the resulting hydrogels.
Unique Physical Properties of the Hydrogel
The hydrogel displays thixotropic properties, which refers to the ability to transition from a gel to a sol phase when mechanically stirred or shaken. Once at rest, it reverts to its original gel phase.
Additionally, the hydrogel displays Tyndall effect and behaves as a sol, demonstrating stable physical characteristics over time. This effect is used to establish if a solution is a colloid, a state in which fine particles are dispersed in a continuous fluid medium.
Its pH-responsive nature allows the hydrogel to remain stable within a pH range of 3 to 6. It becomes unstable at more acidic or alkaline pH levels, adding to its potential uses in pharmaceutical applications.
Table Summary of Key Facts
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) | India’s oldest research institute dedicated to fundamental science research. Founded in 1876. Known for Professor C V Raman’s discovery of the Raman Effect that earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. |
| E.Coli Bacteria | A Gram-negative, anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms. Though most strains are harmless, some can result in serious food poisoning in the host. |
Applications of Hydrogel
The developed hydrogel has a wide range of applications, including drug delivery and enhancing intrinsic antibacterial activities. More promising is its potential use in cancer chemotherapy, where it can act as a vehicle for drug delivery. Thus, with the right tuning and adjustments, this hydrogel reveals great promise for medical science.
