Highly efficient and broad-spectrum antibacterial carbon dots combat antibiotic resistance

Bacterial infections have become a major global public health issue, particularly with the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. Therefore, developing non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents is crucial for treating drug-resistant bacterial infections. Building on previous research into natural products as novel antibacterial agents, this study synthesized curcumin-derived carbon dots using curcumin and ethylenediamine as raw materials through a hydrothermal method. The resulting carbon dots not only improved the water solubility and stability of curcumin but also exhibited highly efficient broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Detailed investigations into the antibacterial performance and mechanisms of the carbon dots were conducted through experiments such as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, live/dead bacterial staining, morphological studies, nucleic acid concentration detection, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection. The results indicated that the carbon dots significantly damaged the structural integrity of bacteria and generated large amounts of ROS. They exhibited remarkable antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, and effectively inhibited drug-resistant MRSA. Their antibacterial efficacy was notably superior to that of broad-spectrum antibiotics such as chloramphenicol and Sulfadiazine. This study highlights the potential application of curcumin-derived carbon dots in combating bacterial infections and provides valuable insights for developing novel antibacterial agents derived from natural products.