Two Surface Activation Strategies to Functionalize Cotton Fibers with Cys-LC-LL-37 Antibacterial Peptide

Abstract

This investigation aimed to determine which of two surface activation methods, N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) or 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO), allowed more effective bonding of Cys-LC-LL-37, an antimicrobial peptide (AMP), onto cotton fibers and which one presented greater antimicrobial activity. The antibacterial effect of the TEMPO-activated cotton functionalized with Cys-LC-LL-37 was more effective against Staphylococcus aureus, while the CDI-activated cotton covalently bonded to Cys-LC-LL-37 was more effective against Klebsiella pneumoniae. CDI-activated cotton retained a higher percentage of the AMP, making this bioactive strategy the choice for development of AMP antimicrobial textiles.