Trash into Treasure: Nano-coating of Catheter Utilizes Urine to Deprive H₂S Against Persister and Rip Biofilm Matrix

Bacteria-derived hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) often contributes to the emergence of antibiotic-recalcitrant bacteria, especially persister (a sub-population of dormant bacteria), thus causing the treatment failure of Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). Here, an H₂S harvester nanosystem to prevent the generation of persister bacteria and disrupt the dense biofilm matrix by the self-adaptive ability of shape-morphing is prepared. The nanosystem possesses a core-shell structure that is composed of liquid metal nanoparticle (LM NP), AgNPs, and immobilized urease. The nanosystem decomposes urea contained in urine to generate ammonia for eliminating bacteria-derived H₂S. Depending on the oxidative layer of liquid metal, the nanosystem also constitutes a long-lasting reservoir for temporarily storing bacteria-derived H₂S, when urease transiently overloads or in the absence of urine in a catheter. Depriving H₂S can prevent the emergence of persistent bacteria, enhancing the bacteria-killing efficiency of Ga³⁺ and Ag⁺ ions. Even when the biofilm has formed, the urine flow provides heat to trigger shape morphing of the LM NP, tearing the biofilm matrix. Collectively, this strategy can turn trash (urea) into treasure (H₂S scavengers and biofilm rippers), and provides a new direction for the antibacterial materials application in the medical field.