Dual Functional Diblock Amino Acid Copolymer Displaying Synergistic Effect with Curcumin against MRSA and Encapsulation of Curcumin

The intensive use of antibiotics intensifies the development of bacterial resistance, which has become a serious problem globally. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is an urgent need to develop new antimicrobial drugs and administration methods. Herein, we report a dual functional diblock copolymer PLL20-b-PBLG(20), which was prepared by superfast and water-insensitive polymerization on N-carboxyanhydrides (NCA) initiated by tetraalkylammonium carboxylate. In addition to direct antimicrobial activity, PLL20-b-PBLG(20) also exerts a synergistic bactericidal effect against MRSA with curcumin, a plant extract with antibacterial property. Moreover, PLL20-b-PBLG(20) successfully encapsulates curcumin to form nanoparticles via self-assembly. The combination of dual functional PLL20-b-PBLG(20) and curcumin holds promise in combating MRSA infections.