Cationic Glycosylated Block Co-β-peptide Acts on the Cell Wall of Gram-Positive Bacteria as Anti-biofilm Agents

Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat. In addition to the emergence of resistance to last resort drugs, bacteria escape antibiotics killing by forming complex biofilms. Strategies to tackle antibiotic resistance as well as biofilms are urgently needed. Wall teichoic acid (WTA), a generic anionic glycopolymer present on the cell surface of many Gram-positive bacteria, has been proposed as a possible therapeutic target, but its druggability remains to be demonstrated. Here we report a cationic glycosylated block co-beta-peptide that binds to WTA. By doing so, the co-beta-peptide not only inhibits biofilm formation, it also disperses preformed biofilms in several Gram-positive bacteria and resensitizes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to oxacillin. The cationic block of the co-beta-peptide physically interacts with the anionic WTA within the cell envelope, whereas the glycosylated block forms a nonfouling corona around the bacteria. This reduces physical interaction between bacteria-substrate and bacteriabiofilm matrix, leading to biofilm inhibition and dispersal. The WTA-targeting co-beta-peptide is a promising lead for the future development of broad-spectrum anti-biofilm strategies against Gram-positive bacteria.

Automated summary

The co-beta-peptide binds to WTA on Gram-positive bacteria and inhibits biofilm formation, disperses preformed biofilms, and resensitizes resistant bacteria to antibiotics. Its potential as a therapeutic target against antimicrobial resistance is promising.