Lysostaphin-Functionalized Waterborne Polyurethane/Polydopamine Coatings Effective against S. Aureus Biofilms

Hybrid waterborne polyurethane/polydopamine (WPU/PDA) matrix, showing the adhesive properties of PDA in its entirety, was utilized for the immobilization of lysostaphin (Lys), an important anti-staphylococcal agent, to obtain highly effective antibacterial and antibiofilm surface coatings. WPU/PDA matrix prepared by the encapsulation of WPU particles with PDA in aqueous dispersion was applied as coatings on substrates, and the facile incubation of the WPU/PDA-coated surfaces with Lys in aqueous solution resulted in WPU/PDA/Lys coatings that contained immobilized Lys on the surface. WPU/PDA/Lys coatings showed strong anti-Staphylococcus aureus activity with a 4 log reduction in the number of cells. Furthermore, WPU/PDA/Lys coatings were demonstrated to be durable without any enzyme leakage, and their antibacterial activity was preserved for at least 30 days and over multiple exposures to bacteria. WPU/PDA/Lys coatings presented significant antibiofilm activity against S. aureus with a 3.5 log reduction in the number of surface-attached bacteria. WPU/PDA/Lys coatings that are easy-to-apply to almost any surface, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly provide promising antibacterial and antibiofilm surfaces that are effective against S. aureus.