Inhibitory Effect of Hemin-Polymer System Against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

Background. Wound infections of bacterial etiology are a socially significant problem. The lack of rational antibiotic therapy can lead to an increase in the emergence of resistant strains of microorganisms. Thus, the search for approaches to solving this problem seems relevant. Aim. To study the inhibitory effect of the porphyrin-polymer system — heminpoly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (hemin-PHB) against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which play a significant role in the development of purulent-inflammatory processes. Material and methods. The purity of hemin was verified against the analytical standard by electron absorption spectroscopy. The hemin-PHB system was obtained by electrospinning. The hemin-polymer system morphology was determined by scanning electron microscopy. The antibacterial activity of hemin-PHB (containing 1, 3, and 5% hemin) was evaluated against test cultures of Escherichia coli (strain 1257) and Staphylococcus aureus (strain 209-P) at dilutions of 104–107 CFU/ml by measuring inhibition zone diameters. Results. It was found that hemin metal complex introduction into the polymer matrix led to a change in the geometric parameters of polyhydroxybutyrate fibers, which was a consequence of the compaction and anisotropy of the nonwoven fibrous material. The hemin-PHB antibacterial activity was directly dependent on the hemin percentage in the polymer. PHB with 5 % hemin had the significant inhibitory effect. S. aureus showed a higher (on average, 10 %) sensitivity to hemin compared to E. coli. Conclusion. The variation of hemin content in PHB affects its structural and functional properties. PHB fibers containing 5 % hemin inhibit the growth of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria — E. coli and S. aureus. The resulting porphyrin-polymer system can be recommended for use as the antiseptic material for wound treatment.