Biodegradable nanofilms on microcapsules for controlled release of drugs to infected chronic wounds

Systemic antibiotic and topical antimicrobial overexposure strongly contributes to the development of bacterial resistance. We have assembled nanofilms as a lid for drugs, which respond to the Staphylococcus aureus protease V8, while remaining intact when exposed to a human wound protease. Hollow microcapsules, loaded with a model drug and with the nanofilm as shell were assembled by template assisted assembly. With a poly-L-glutamic acid-based film, the Glu-X specific V8 caused the film to degrade, leading to release of the model drug, while the human wound protease did not affect the microcapsules. This is an example of triggered release of an active with the wound infection being the trigger. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of TEMA - Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation.