Baiting bacteria with amino acidic and peptidic corona coated defect-engineered antimicrobial nanoclusters for optimized wound healing
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Keeping steps ahead of the bacteria in the race for more efficacious antibacterial strategies is increasingly difficult with the advent of bacterial resistance genes. Herein, we engineered copper sulfide nanoclusters (CuS x NCs) with variable sulfur defects for enhanced dual-treatment of bacterial infections by manipulating photothermal effects and Fenton-like activity. Next, by encasing CuS x NCs with a complex mixture of amino acids and short peptides derived from Luria-Bertani bacterial culture media as a protein corona, we managed to coax E. Coli to take up these CuS x NCs. As a whole, Amino-Pep-CuS x NCs was perceived as a food source and actively consumed by bacteria, enhancing their effective uptake by at least 1.5-fold greater than full length BSA protein BSA-corona CuS x NCs. Through strategically using defect-engineering, we successfully fine-tune photothermal effect and Fenton-like capacity of CuS x NCs. Increased sulfur defects lead to reduced but sufficient heat generation under solar-light irradiation and increased production of toxic hydroxyl radicals. By fine-tuning sulfur defects during synthesis, we achieve CuS x NCs with an optimal synergistic effect, significantly enhancing their bactericidal properties. These ultra-small and biodegradable CuS x NCs can rapidly break down after treatment for clearance. Thus, Amino-Pep-CuS x NCs demonstrate effective eradication of bacteria both in vitro and in vivo because of their relatively high uptake, optimal balanced photothermal and chemodynamic outcomes. Our study offers a straightforward and efficient method to enhance bacterial uptake of next generation of antibacterial agents. • Amino acidic-peptidic corona enhanced the active “ingestion” of NCs as food by bacteria. • Defect-engineered CuS x NCs realized the regulated photothermal and Fenton-like catalytic properties. • Ultrasmall-sized biodegradable CuS x NCs have low bioaccumulation and systemic side effects. • Sunlight irradiation could activate PTT effect and enhance catalytic effect.
Source: Bioactive Materials
Institutions: Central South University, National University of Singapore, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,200
OpenAlex ID: W4402763028