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Updated: Jul 9, 2025
In Vivo Imaging of Reactive Oxygen Species in a Murine Wound Model
Published on: November 17, 2018
pH-responsive double-enzyme active metal-organic framework for promoting the healing of infected wounds
Zenghong Chen1, Jie Shan2, Qiang Niu3
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China.
Abstract:
The abuse of antibiotics accelerates the spread and evolution of drug-resistant bacteria, which seriously threatens human health. Hydroxyl radicals (•OH) are generated by peroxidase in the presence of H2O2, which is strongly oxidizing and can effectively kill bacteria. However, high production costs and poor stability limit the clinical use of natural enzymes. "Nanozyme" is a general term for nanomaterials with catalytic activity similar to that of biological enzymes. Compared to biological enzymes, nanozymes have the advantages of low cost, facile preparation, and easy storage, making them a good choice for the development of antibacterial agents. Here, a nickel-based metal-organic framework (Ni-MOF) with dual enzymatic activity that switches depending on the pH environment was studied. In a slightly acidic environment, Ni-MOF can react with hydrogen peroxide to produce hydroxyl radicals that kill bacteria; in a neutral environment, Ni-MOF instead removes excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promotes the transformation of macrophages into M2 macrophages. Compared to most nanozymes, Ni-MOF has unique electrical conductivity and better biosafety. The results of animal experiments show that Ni-MOF can not only treat infected wounds but also promote the healing of acute wounds and exhibits great clinical application potential.
Insights
Nanozymes offer a cost-effective alternative to enzymes for antibacterial applications. A novel nickel-based metal-organic framework (Ni-MOF) demonstrates dual activity, killing bacteria and promoting wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Infectious Disease Research
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a major global health threat, necessitating novel antibacterial strategies.
- Natural enzymes for bacterial killing face limitations like high cost and poor stability.
- Nanozymes, nanomaterials with enzyme-like catalytic activity, offer advantages in cost and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a nickel-based metal-organic framework (Ni-MOF) as a nanozyme with dual pH-dependent enzymatic activity.
- To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy and wound healing potential of Ni-MOF.
- To assess the biosafety and unique properties of Ni-MOF compared to other nanozymes.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of a nickel-based metal-organic framework (Ni-MOF).
- Evaluation of Ni-MOF's catalytic activity in producing hydroxyl radicals (•OH) in acidic conditions.
- Assessment of Ni-MOF's reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and macrophage-modulating activity in neutral conditions.
- In vivo animal experiments to test Ni-MOF for infected and acute wound treatment.
Main Results:
- Ni-MOF exhibited pH-dependent dual enzymatic activity, generating •OH to kill bacteria in acidic environments.
- In neutral environments, Ni-MOF scavenged excessive ROS and promoted M2 macrophage polarization.
- Animal studies demonstrated Ni-MOF's effectiveness in treating infected wounds and promoting acute wound healing.
- Ni-MOF showed unique electrical conductivity and improved biosafety compared to conventional nanozymes.
Conclusions:
- Ni-MOF presents a promising nanozyme with dual functionality for combating bacterial infections and enhancing wound repair.
- Its cost-effectiveness, stability, and biosafety suggest significant potential for clinical applications in treating wounds.
- This dual-action nanozyme represents a novel approach to addressing challenges posed by antibiotic resistance and wound management.
