An Antibiotic-Free Nanoplatform Synergizing Quorum Sensing Inhibition and Enhanced Chemodynamic Therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Antimicrobial Research

Background:

• Biofilm-associated infections pose significant challenges due to antimicrobial resistance.
• Conventional antibiotics are often ineffective against biofilms, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a dual-functional, antibiotic-free nanoplatform for biofilm eradication.
• To combine quorum sensing (QS) inhibition and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) for enhanced antibiofilm efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of calcium peroxide (CaO2) nanoparticles coated with a quercetin/copper ion (Qe/Cu2+) complex.
• Investigation of the nanoplatform's mechanism involving QS inhibition by quercetin and hydroxyl radical generation via Fenton-like reaction catalyzed by copper ions.
• In vitro assessment of antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Main Results:

• The nanoplatform effectively inhibited QS pathways and generated bactericidal hydroxyl radicals in acidic biofilm environments.
• Demonstrated robust in vitro antibiofilm activity against key bacterial pathogens.
• Significantly reduced bacterial colonization and accelerated wound healing in a murine infection model.

Conclusions:

• The synergistic integration of QS inhibition and CDT in an antibiotic-free nanoplatform is a potent strategy against biofilm infections.
• This approach offers a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics for treating recalcitrant biofilm-associated infections.
• The developed nanoplatform shows potential for clinical translation in wound healing applications.