Conclusions
Chitosan serves as an effective delivery platform for ASP-1 and ASP-2 to treat biofilm-embedded bacteria and warrants further development as a topical treatment.
Methods
Chitosan gels loaded with antimicrobial peptides were evaluated for peptide release over 7 days and tested for efficacy against biofilms grown both in vitro on polymer mesh and ex vivo on porcine skin.
Results
When delivered via chitosan, 70% to 80% of peptides were released over 7 days. Gels eradicated biofilms of gram-positive and gram-negative, drug-resistant bacteria in vitro and ex vivo. Under the conditions tested, no meaningful differences in peptide activity between the L and D forms of ASP-2 were detected. Conclusions: Chitosan serves as an effective delivery platform for ASP-1 and ASP-2 to treat biofilm-embedded bacteria and warrants further development as a topical treatment.