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MoOxNWs with mechanical damage - oriented synergistic photothermal / photodynamic therapy for highly effective
Kaikai Xu1, Pengfei Zhang2, Yan Zhang1
1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, 9 Qingdao 266071, China.
Abstract:
Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-based therapy has emerged as a promising antibacterial strategy. However, it faces the limitations of uncontrollable space-time release and excessive lipid peroxidation, which may lead to a series of metabolic disorders and decreased immune function. In this study, mechanical damage by molybdenum oxide nanowires (MoOxNWs) is introduced as a synergistic factor to enhance the photothermal and photodynamic effects for controllable and efficient antibacterial therapy. Through their sharp ends, the nanowires can effectively pierce and damage the bacterial cells, thus facilitating the entry of externally generated ROS into the cells. The ROS are generated via photodynamic effect of the nanowires under a mere 5 min of near-infrared light irradiation. This approach enhances the photothermal (by 27.3 %) and photodynamic properties of ROS generation. MoOxNWs (100 μg·mL-1) achieve sterilisation rates of 97.67 % for extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing E. coli and 96.34 % for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which are comparable or even exceeding the efficacy of most MoOx-based antibacterial agents. Moreover, they exhibit good biocompatibility and low in vivo toxicity.
Insights
Molybdenum oxide nanowires offer a novel antibacterial approach by combining mechanical damage with photothermal and photodynamic effects. This method enhances reactive oxygen species generation for efficient bacterial killing with low toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-based therapy shows promise for antibacterial applications.
- Limitations include uncontrollable ROS release and excessive lipid peroxidation, leading to metabolic disorders and immune dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a controllable and efficient antibacterial therapy using molybdenum oxide nanowires (MoOₓNWs).
- To enhance photothermal and photodynamic effects through mechanical damage induced by MoOₓNWs.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized molybdenum oxide nanowires (MoOₓNWs).
- Investigated the synergistic effects of mechanical damage, photothermal, and photodynamic properties under near-infrared light irradiation.
- Evaluated antibacterial efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus.
Main Results:
- MoOₓNWs enhanced photothermal (27.3%) and photodynamic ROS generation.
- Achieved high sterilization rates: 97.67% for E. coli and 96.34% for S. aureus.
- Demonstrated good biocompatibility and low in vivo toxicity.
Conclusions:
- MoOₓNWs provide a controllable and efficient antibacterial strategy by combining mechanical disruption with enhanced ROS generation.
- This approach overcomes limitations of traditional ROS-based therapies, offering a promising alternative for combating resistant bacterial strains.
