pH-responsive hierarchical H2S-releasing nano-disinfectant with deep-penetrating and anti-inflammatory properties for synergistically enhanced eradication of bacterial biofilms and wound infection.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm-associated bacterial infection is the primary cause of nosocomial infection and has long been an ongoing threat to public health. MRSA biofilms are often resistant to multiple antimicrobial strategies, mainly due to the existence of a compact protective barrier; thus, protecting themselves from the innate immune system and antibiotic treatment via limited drug penetration.

RESULTS:

A hierarchically structured hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-releasing nano-disinfectant was presented, which was composed of a zinc sulfide (ZnS) core as a H2S generator and indocyanine green (ICG) as a photosensitizer. This nano-disinfectant (ICG-ZnS NPs) sensitively responded to the biofilm microenvironment and demonstrated efficient eradication of MRSA biofilms via a synergistic effect of Zn2+, gas molecule-mediated therapy, and hyperthermia. Physically boosted by released H2S and a near-infrared spectroscopy-induced hyperthermia effect, ICG-ZnS NPs destroyed the compactness of MRSA biofilms showing remarkable deep-penetration capability. Moreover, on-site generation of H2S gas adequately ameliorated excessive inflammation, suppressed secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and expedited angiogenesis, therefore markedly accelerating the in vivo healing process of cutaneous wounds infected with MRSA biofilms.

CONCLUSION:

ICG-ZnS NPs combined with NIR laser irradiation exhibited significant anti-biofilm activity in MRSA biofilms, can accelerate the healing process through deep-penetration and anti-inflammatory effectuation. The proposed strategy has great potential as an alternative to antibiotic treatment when combating multidrug-resistant bacterial biofilms.

• Authors: Yue Zhang, Tianxiang Yue, Wenting Gu, Aidi Liu, Mengying Cheng, Hongyue Zheng, Dandan Bao, Fanzhu Li, Ji-Gang Piao
• Journal: Journal of nanobiotechnology (J Nanobiotechnology) Vol. 20 Issue 1 Pg. 55 (Jan 29 2022) ISSN: 1477-3155 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 35093073 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2022. The Author(s).

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Disinfectants

Topics

• Anti-Bacterial Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (pharmacology)
• Biofilms
• Disinfectants (pharmacology)
• Humans
• Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
• Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests
• Wound Infection (drug therapy)