A Bioinspired Virus-Like Mechano-Bactericidal Nanomotor for Ocular Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infection Treatment

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and biofilms cause severe eye infections, leading to blindness and posing global health challenges.
• Current mechano-bactericidal systems lack sufficient force for effective biofilm penetration and antibacterial action.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a biomimetic mechano-bactericidal nanomotor (VMSNT) with enhanced biofilm penetration and antibacterial efficacy for ocular infections.
• To investigate the targeting capabilities and therapeutic potential of VMSNT against MDR bacteria in ocular models.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of VMSNT by functionalizing virus-like mesoporous silica with phenylboronic acid (PBA) and Au caps.
• Evaluation of VMSNT's mechanical antibacterial effects, biofilm penetration, and bacterial targeting using SEM and CLSM.
• Assessment of VMSNT efficacy in murine models of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-infected keratitis and endophthalmitis.

Main Results:

• VMSNT demonstrated enhanced mechanical antibacterial effects and biofilm penetration due to self-thermophoresis and virus-like shape.
• PBA functionalization enabled precise targeting of bacteria by binding to peptidoglycan.
• VMSNT effectively eliminated MDR bacteria and reduced inflammation in mouse models with minimal adverse effects.

Conclusions:

• The developed VMSNT nanomotor shows significant potential for treating ocular MDR bacterial infections.
• This approach offers a promising strategy to overcome the limitations of current antibacterial therapies for eye infections.