Gold-Dispersed Copper Ferrite Magnetic Hydrogel: A Potent Antibacterial Nanozyme Platform

A gold-dispersed CuFe₂O₄/alginate magnetic hydrogel was developed as a nanozyme-based antibacterial platform. CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were hydrothermally synthesized and incorporated into an alginate hydrogel with in situ-generated Au nanoparticles. ICP-OES analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of Fe (7.16%), Cu (3.63%), and Au (0.38%), with an Fe-Cu ratio consistent with CuFe₂O₄. The hydrogel exhibited ferromagnetic behaviour (M_s = 12.35 emu g^-1) and potent POD-like activity, generating ROS with high catalytic efficiency (K_m = 0.01 mM; V_max = 13.47 × 10^-8 M s^-1). The hydrogel also showed significant GSH-depleting ability and could be reused for up to six cycles. Antibacterial assays demonstrated enhanced killing of S. aureus and E. coli when combined with H₂O₂ at reduced concentrations. Cytocompatibility studies demonstrated favourable in vitro cytocompatibility, with cell viability remaining above 85%, and the hydrogel exhibited good swelling and mechanical properties. With its magnetic responsiveness, favourable in vitro cytocompatibility, and enhanced antibacterial activity, this nanozyme-integrated hydrogel represents a promising platform for further investigation in antibacterial wound-dressing applications.