Dual Functional Diblock Amino Acid Copolymer Displaying Synergistic Effect with Curcumin against MRSA and Encapsulation of Curcumin†

Comprehensive Summary The intensive use of antibiotics intensifies the development of bacterial resistance, which has become a serious problem globally. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is an urgent need to develop new antimicrobial drugs and administration methods. Herein, we report a dual functional diblock copolymer PLL 20 - b -PBLG 20 , which was prepared by superfast and water-insensitive polymerization on N -carboxyanhydrides (NCA) initiated by tetraalkylammonium carboxylate. In addition to direct antimicrobial activity, PLL 20 - b -PBLG 20 also exerts a synergistic bactericidal effect against MRSA with curcumin, a plant extract with antibacterial property. Moreover, PLL 20 - b -PBLG 20 successfully encapsulates curcumin to form nanoparticles via self-assembly. The combination of dual functional PLL 20 - b -PBLG 20 and curcumin holds promise in combating MRSA infections.