Biofilm dispersal using nitric oxide loaded nanoparticles fabricated by photo-PISA: influence of morphology.

Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) of different morphologies (spheres and worms) were synthesized using a visible light mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) approach. Spherical and worm-like NPs were subsequently modified to generate diazeniumdiolate functionalized NPs. Interestingly, the NO release rate and the dispersal of biofilms were found to strongly depend on the NP morphology. NPs with a higher aspect ratio (worms) exhibited a slower NO release rate and greater biofilm dispersal after 1 h of incubation.