CuFe Layered Double Hydroxide as Self-Cascade Nanoreactor for Efficient Antibacterial Therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Catalysis

Background:

• Nanozyme-based reactive oxygen species (ROS) therapy is promising for bacterial wound infections.
• Challenges include limited hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) supply, external stimuli dependence, and high glutathione (GSH) levels hindering efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile and efficient therapeutic strategy for bacterial infections using pristine CuFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) as a self-cascade nanoreactor.
• To investigate the multi-ROS generation and GSH depletion capabilities of CuFe LDH for enhanced antibacterial activity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized pristine CuFe LDH as a nanoreactor without modification or external energy input.
• Investigated the oxidase-like and peroxidase-like activities of CuFe LDH for ROS generation (singlet oxygen, superoxide anion, H2O2, hydroxyl radical).
• Assessed CuFe LDH's ability to deplete GSH and break down bacterial biofilms.

Main Results:

• CuFe LDH catalyzed the generation of multiple ROS, including singlet oxygen, superoxide anion, H2O2, and hydroxyl radical.
• The nanoreactor effectively destroyed bacterial cell membranes and promoted biofilm breakdown.
• CuFe LDH exhibited Cu2+-mediated GSH exhaustion, enhancing ROS efficacy and sterilization.
• Demonstrated successful elimination of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infected wounds in a mouse model with negligible side effects.

Conclusions:

• Pristine CuFe LDH acts as an effective self-cascade nanoreactor for combating bacterial infections.
• The multi-ROS generation and GSH depletion mechanism offers a potent antibacterial strategy.
• CuFe LDH shows potential as a novel antibacterial agent for clinical applications in wound healing.