Iron Phosphate Nanozyme-Hydrogel with Multienzyme-like Activity for Efficient Bacterial Sterilization

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Pathogenic bacterial infections present a global health challenge.
• Nanomaterials with enzymatic activity offer promising new antibacterial approaches.
• Antibiotic resistance necessitates the development of alternative therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct and evaluate an iron phosphate nanozyme-hydrogel (FePO4-HG) composite for antibacterial applications.
• To investigate the dual enzymatic activities and antibacterial mechanisms of FePO4-HG.
• To assess the efficacy of FePO4-HG in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria and promoting wound healing.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of positively charged, macroporous FePO4-HG.
• Evaluation of peroxidase-like and superoxide dismutase-catalase-like activities under varying pH conditions.
• Assessment of antibacterial efficacy against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Acinetobacter baumannii (AREC) with H2O2.
• Investigation of biofilm disruption and glutathione oxidation.
• In vivo animal studies for wound healing assessment.

Main Results:

• FePO4-HG demonstrated pH-dependent enzymatic activities, protecting normal tissues.
• The composite effectively captured and restricted bacteria, enhancing ROS-mediated destruction.
• FePO4-HG + H2O2 exhibited potent antibacterial activity against MRSA and AREC, disrupting biofilms and promoting bacterial death.
• The system showed low cytotoxicity and resistance to bacterial adaptation.
• In vivo studies confirmed efficient MRSA elimination and accelerated wound healing with reduced inflammation.

Conclusions:

• FePO4-HG represents a promising antibacterial agent with dual enzymatic functions and physical bacterial trapping capabilities.
• The FePO4-HG + H2O2 system effectively combats antibiotic-resistant bacteria and biofilms.
• This nanozyme-hydrogel shows significant potential for treating bacterial infections and promoting wound healing, offering a new avenue against resistant pathogens.