Enzyme-Activated Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe for Rapid and Precise Identification of Staphylococcus...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Microbiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a significant opportunistic pathogen causing skin and soft tissue infections.
• Prompt identification of S. aureus is crucial for effective clinical intervention and preventing severe systemic infections.
• Current diagnostic methods may lack the speed and specificity required for timely management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel enzyme-activatable, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe (HD-G) for specific S. aureus detection.
• To utilize the probe for visualizing S. aureus infections in vitro and in vivo.
• To assess the probe's ability to differentiate live from dead S. aureus and monitor infection progression.

Main Methods:

• Design and synthesis of an enzyme-activatable NIR fluorescent probe (HD-G).
• Testing probe selectivity against S. aureus, including planktonic and biofilm states, and other clinical pathogens.
• In vivo imaging of S. aureus skin infections in animal models.
• Evaluating the probe's ability to distinguish live from dead bacteria.

Main Results:

• The HD-G probe demonstrated high stability and excellent selectivity for S. aureus.
• It reliably detected S. aureus in both planktonic and biofilm forms, distinguishing it from other pathogens.
• In vivo imaging allowed noninvasive, real-time visualization of S. aureus skin infections.
• The probe successfully differentiated between live and dead S. aureus cells.

Conclusions:

• HD-G is a highly specific and responsive fluorescent probe for S. aureus detection.
• It facilitates accurate diagnosis, real-time monitoring of infection, and evaluation of treatment efficacy.
• This probe holds potential for improving clinical intervention strategies for S. aureus infections.