PhD thesis
Polymeric micelles for the dispersal of infectious biofilms
Tian, Shuang. [Groningen]: University of Groningen, 2023. 216 p.
Research output: Thesis
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Research articles
A Normalized Parameter for Comparison of Biofilm Dispersants in vitro
Biofilm 2024, 7, 100188 (First author)
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In this paper we introduce a biofilm dispersal parameter to compare the strength of different dispersants. The parameter is calculated by comparing the reduction in biofilm biomass or colony-forming units (CFUs) caused by the dispersant to the reduction caused by phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), which is used as a control. The biofilm dispersal parameter is normalized with respect to dispersant concentration and exposure time. The parameter yielded near-identical values based on dispersant-induced reductions in biomass or biofilm CFUs. The parameter appeared to be strain-dependent across different pathogens. This parameter can be used to determine the optimal dosage and application duration of the dispersant, ensuring a balanced dispersal that the immune system can effectively manage the bacterial load.
Protection of DNase in the Shell of a pH-Responsive, Antibiotic-Loaded Micelle for Biofilm Targeting, Dispersal and Eradication
Chemical Engineering Journal 2023, 452, 139619 (First author)
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In this paper, we report our development of polymer-protein conjugates for targeted treatment of infectious biofilms, enhanced antibiotics efficacy. Additionally, we demonstrate how polymeric nanoparticles effectively protect proteins against in vivo proteolysis.
Co‐Delivery of an Amyloid‐Disassembling Polyphenol Cross‐Linked in a Micellar Shell with Core‐Loaded Antibiotics for Balanced Biofilm Dispersal and Killing
Advanced Functional Materials 2022, 32(51), 2209185 (First author)
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We present the development of a pH-responsive micelle, consisting of a shell crosslinked with a biofilm dispersant and a core loaded with antibiotics. Our results indicate that, with proper dispersal rates, the host immune system can eliminate dispersed bacteria without the need for antibiotics.
Self-Targeting, Zwitterionic Micellar Dispersants Enhance Antibiotic Killing of Infectious Biofilms—An Intravital Imaging Study in Mice
Science Advances 2020, 6 (33), abb1112 (First author)
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In this paper, we introduce a novel zwitterionic polymer that becomes cationic in acidic biofilm environments, leading to effective biofilm dispersal. Furthermore, we first observe that nanoparticles self-target to biofilms through intravital imaging.
This paper has gained wide interest. You can find relevant reports here:
• Researchers develop smart nanoparticle in fight against antibiotic-resistant infections
• Smart nanoparticle fights antibiotic resistance
• Researchers develop smart nanoparticle against resistant bacteria
Synergy between pH-and Hypoxia-Responsiveness in Antibiotic-loaded Micelles for Eradicating Mature, Infectious Biofilms
Acta Biomaterialia 2022, 154, 559-571 (Co-author)
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In-biofilm Generation of Nitric Oxide Using a Magnetically-targetable Cascade-reaction Container for Eradication of Infectious Biofilms
Bioactive Materials 2022, 14, 321–334 (Co-author)
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Nanocarriers Responsive to a Hypoxia Gradient Facilitate Enhanced Tumor Penetration and Improved Anti-Tumor Efficacy
Biomaterials Science 2019, 7 (7), 2986–2995 (Co-author)
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Phosphorylcholine-Based Polymer Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles Enhance the Penetration of Antimicrobials in a Staphylococcal Biofilm.
ACS Macro Letters 2019, 8 (6), 651–657 (Co-author)
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Review article
Recent Advances and Future Challenges in the Use of Nanoparticles for the Dispersal of Infectious Biofilms
Journal of Materials Science & Technology 2021, 84, 208–218 (First author)
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This paper provides a comprehensive summary of nanoparticle technology as dispersants and carriers for biofilm removal.
Presentations
Poster
• “Annual KOLFF scientific conference 2023”, Groningen, The Netherlands, April 2023 (Best PhD student poster prize)
• “The 8th Thesinge biofilm meeting on biomaterial-associated infections”, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands, May 2022
• “2021 National polymer academic paper conference”, Chinese Chemistry Society, Beijing, China, September 2021
• “2018 (3rd) Forum on antimicrobial science and technology”, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China, November 2018
• “Antimicrobial biomaterials and biofilm infection: a stepping stone symposium”, Tianjin, China, September 2018
Oral
• “31st annual meeting of Netherlands society for biomaterials and tissue engineering”, Lunteren, The Netherlands, December 2022
• “Annual KOLFF scientific conference 2022”, Groningen, The Netherlands, October 2022
Prize
• Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-financed Students Abroad 2023