Hedgehog artificial macrophage with atomic-catalytic centers to combat Drug-resistant bacteria

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Infectious Disease Research

Background:

• Pathogenic drug-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), pose a significant global health threat.
• There is an urgent need for novel, non-antibiotic strategies to combat bacterial infections and mitigate the development of antimicrobial resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a hedgehog artificial macrophage capable of mimicking the "capture and kill" mechanism of natural macrophages.
• To evaluate the efficacy of this artificial macrophage in combating MRSA and promoting the healing of infected wounds.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a hedgehog artificial macrophage with Fe2N6O atomic-catalytic centers.
• Experimental studies and theoretical calculations to elucidate the mechanism of action.
• Assessment of antibacterial activity against MRSA and evaluation of wound healing in a rabbit model.

Main Results:

• The synthesized artificial macrophage demonstrated efficient capture and killing of MRSA through its unique topography and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) like •O2⁻ and HClO.
• A low minimal inhibition concentration (8 μg/mL) was observed for the Fe-Art M with H2O2.
• Rapid promotion of bacteria-infected wound healing in rabbit skin was observed.

Conclusions:

• The hedgehog artificial macrophage presents a viable bionic, non-antibiotic strategy for combating MRSA.
• Its "capture and kill" capability and high ROS-catalytic activity offer a promising new direction for developing advanced antibacterial materials.