Effective Antibacterial Activity of Degradable Copper-Doped Phosphate-Based Glass Nanozymes

Biodegradable Janus sonozyme with continuous reactive oxygen species regulation for treating infected critical-sized bone defects

Critical-sized bone defects are usually accompanied by bacterial infection leading to inflammation and bone nonunion. However, existing biodegradable materials lack long-term therapeutical effect because of their gradual degradation. Here, a degradable material with continuous ROS modulation is proposed, defined as a sonozyme due to its functions as a sonosensitizer and a nanoenzyme. Before degradation, the sonozyme can exert an effective sonodynamic antimicrobial effect through the dual active sites of MnN4 and Cu2O8. Furthermore, it can promote anti-inflammation by superoxide dismutase- and catalase-like activities. Following degradation, quercetin-metal chelation exhibits a sustaining antioxidant effect through ligand-metal charge transfer, while the released ions and quercetin also have great self-antimicrobial, osteogenic, and angiogenic effects. A rat model of infected cranial defects demonstrates the sonozyme can rapidly eliminate bacteria and promote bone regeneration. This work presents a promising approach to engineer biodegradable materials with long-time effects for infectious bone defects.

Application of Drug Delivery System Based on Nanozyme Cascade Technology in Chronic Wound

Chronic wounds are characterized by long-term inflammation, including diabetic ulcers, traumatic ulcers, etc., which provide an optimal environment for bacterial proliferation. At present, antibiotics are the main clinical treatment method for chronic wound infections. However, the overuse of antibiotics may accelerate the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, which poses a significant threat to human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies for bacterial infections. Nanozyme-based antimicrobial therapy (NABT) is an emerging antimicrobial strategy with broad-spectrum activity and low drug resistance compared to traditional antibiotics. NABT has shown great potential as an emerging antimicrobial strategy by catalyzing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with its enzyme-like catalytic properties, producing a powerful bactericidal effect without developing drug resistance. Nanozyme-based cascade antimicrobial technology offers a new approach to infection control, effectively improving antimicrobial efficacy by activating cascades against bacterial cell membranes and intracellular DNA while minimizing potential side effects. However, it is worth noting that this technology is still in the early stages of research. This article comprehensively reviews wound classification, current methods for the treatment of wound infection, different types of nanozymes, the application of nanozyme cascade reaction technology in antimicrobial therapy, and future challenges and prospects.

Hypoxia-Activated Biodegradable Porphyrin-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks for Photodynamic and Photothermal Therapy of Wound Infection

Wound infections have gradually become a major threat to human health. Recently, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have shown great potential in antibacterial and wound healing; however, difficult biodegradability and long-time in vivo retention limit their further application. Herein, biodegradable COFs containing porphyrin backbones and hypoxia-sensitive azobenzene group, namely, HRCOFs, are fabricated for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) of wound infection. Due to the introduction of a porphyrin molecule, HRCOFs can produce singlet oxygen (1O2) under 660 nm laser irradiation. The prepared HRCOFs can also generate thermal energy under 808 nm NIR laser irradiation. HRCOFs show excellent synergetic antibacterial ability against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in vitro. The in vivo experiments also demonstrate synergistic PDT and PTT effects of HRCOFs against wound infection. Importantly, HRCOFs are response to wound microenvironment, can be degraded for clearance, and avoid some adverse effects caused by long-time retention in vivo, exhibiting good biocompatibility. In general, the obtained biodegradable HRCOFs with both photodynamic and photothermal effects can be used for antibacterial infections and provide great value for promoting wound healing.

Nanozymes and their biomolecular conjugates as next-generation antibacterial agents: A comprehensive review

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the ability of bacterial species to develop resistance against exposed antibiotics, has gained immense global attention in the past few years. Bacterial infections are serious health concerns affecting millions of people annually worldwide. Therefore, developing novel antibacterial agents that are highly effective and avoid resistance development is imperative. Among various strategies, recent developments in nanozyme technology have shown promising results as antibacterials in several antibiotic-sensitive and resistant bacterial species. Nanozymes offer several advantages over corresponding natural enzymes, such as inexpensive, stable, multifunctional, tunable catalytic properties, etc. Although the use of nanozymes as antibacterial agents has provided promising results, the specific biomolecule-conjugated nanozymes have shown further improvement in catalytic performance and associated antibacterial efficacy. The exclusive design of functional nanozymes with theranostic potential is found to simultaneously inhibit the growth and image of AMR bacterial species. This review comprehensively summarizes the history of nanozymes, their classification, biomolecules conjugated nanozyme, and their mechanism of enzyme-mimetic activity and associated antibacterial activity in antibiotic-sensitive and resistant species. The futureneeds to effectively engineer the existing or new nanozymes to curb AMR have also been discussed.

Emerging Nanomaterials as Versatile Nanozymes: A New Dimension in Biomedical Research

The enzyme-mimicking nature of versatile nanomaterials proposes a new class of materials categorized as nano-enzymes, ornanozymes. They are artificial enzymes fabricated by functionalizing nanomaterials to generate active sites that can mimic enzyme-like functions. Materials extend from metals and oxides to inorganic nanoparticles possessing intrinsic enzyme-like properties. High cost, low stability, difficulty in separation, reusability, and storage issues of natural enzymes can be well addressed by nanozymes. Since 2007, more than 100 nanozymes have been reported that mimic enzymes like peroxidase, oxidase, catalase, protease, nuclease, hydrolase, superoxide dismutase, etc. In addition, several nanozymes can also exhibit multi-enzyme properties. Vast applications have been reported by exploiting the chemical, optical, and physiochemical properties offered by nanozymes. This review focuses on the reported nanozymes fabricated from a variety of materials along with their enzyme-mimicking activity involving tuning of materials such as metal nanoparticles (NPs), metal-oxide NPs, metal-organic framework (MOF), covalent organic framework (COF), and carbon-based NPs. Furthermore, diverse applications of nanozymes in biomedical research are discussed in detail.

Copper selenide nanosheets with photothermal therapy-related properties and multienzyme activity for highly effective eradication of drug resistance

Bacterial infections are among the most significant causes of death in humans. Chronic misuse or uncontrolled use of antibiotics promotes the emergence of multidrug-resistant superbugs that threaten public health through the food chain and cause environmental pollution. Based on the above considerations, copper selenide nanosheets (CuSe NSs) with photothermal therapy (PTT)- and photodynamic therapy (PDT)-related properties have been fabricated. These CuSe NSs possess enhanced PDT-related properties and can convert O2 into highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause significant oxidative stress and damage to bacteria. In addition, CuSe NSs can efficiently consume glutathione (GSH) at bacterial infection sites, thus further enhancing their sterilization efficacy. In vitro antibacterial experiments with near-infrared (NIR) irradiation have shown that CuSe NSs have excellent photothermal bactericidal properties. These experiments also showed that CuSe NSs exerted excellent bactericidal effects on wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and significantly promoted the healing of infected wounds. Because of their superior biological safety, CuSe NSs are novel copper-based antimicrobial agents that are expected to enter clinical trials, serving as a modern approach to the major problem of treating bacterially infected wounds.

Cell Wall Binding Strategies Based on Cu3SbS3 Nanoparticles for Selective Bacterial Elimination and Promotion of Infected Wound Healing

Utilizing nanomaterials as an alternative to antibiotics, with a focus on maintaining high biosafety, has emerged as a promising strategy to combat antibiotic resistance. Nevertheless, the challenge lies in the indiscriminate attack of nanomaterials on both bacterial and mammalian cells, which limits their practicality. Herein, Cu3SbS3 nanoparticles (NPs) capable of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) are discovered to selectively adsorb and eliminate bacteria without causing obvious harm to mammalian cells, thanks to the interaction between O of N-acetylmuramic acid in bacterial cell walls and Cu of the NPs. Coupled with the short diffusion distance of ROS in the surrounding medium, a selective antibacterial effect is achieved. Additionally, the antibacterial mechanism is then identified: Cu3SbS3 NPs catalyze the generation of O2•-, which has subsequently been conversed by superoxide dismutase to H2O2. The latter is secondary catalyzed by the NPs to form •OH and 1O2, initiating an in situ attack on bacteria. This process depletes bacterial glutathione in conjunction with the disruption of the antioxidant defense system of bacteria. Notably, Cu3SbS3 NPs are demonstrated to efficiently impede biofilm formation; thus, a healing of MRSA-infected wounds was promoted. The bacterial cell wall-binding nanoantibacterial agents can be widely expanded through diversified design.

Rapid Membrane-Penetrating Hybrid Peptides Achieve Efficient Dual Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity through a Triple Bactericidal Mechanism

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a type of biomaterial used against multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. This study reports the design of a peptide family rich in tryptophan and lysine obtained by optimizing a natural AMP using single factor modification and pheromone hybridization to expedite the penetration and improve the antimicrobial activity of AMPs. S-4, L-4, and P-4 showed α-helical structures, exhibited extremely fast membrane penetration rates in vitro, and could kill MDR bacteria efficiently within 30 min. Intracellular fluorescence localization suggested rapid membrane-penetrating of AMPs within 1 min, making it more difficult for bacteria to develop resistance. Furthermore, they could effectively inhibit and destroy bacterial biofilms with dual antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. In the treatment of skin infections caused by MDR-Acinetobacter baumannii in vivo , AMPs could effectively alleviate inflammation without toxic side effects. Additionally, the triple antimicrobial damage of AMPs was described in detail. AMPs rapidly penetrate the cell membrane, inducing cell membrane damage, triggering oxidative damage with a storm of reactive oxygen species and leading to bacterial death through leakage of cellular contents by complexing with DNA. The multiple damage is an important means by which AMPs can prevent bacterial resistance adequately.

Nanomaterials with Enzyme-like Properties for Combatting Foodborne Pathogen Infections: Classifications, Mechanisms, and Applications in Food Preservation

During the transportation and storage of food, foodborne spoilage caused by bacterial and biofilm infection is prone to occur, leading to issues such as short shelf life, economic loss, and sensory quality instability. Therefore, the development of novel and efficient antibacterial agents capable of efficiently inhibiting bacteria throughout various stages of food processing, transportation, and storage is strongly recommended by researchers. The emergence of nanozymes is considered to be an effective candidate for inhibiting foodborne bacteria agents in the food industry. As potent antibacterial agents, nanozymes have the advantages of low cost, high stability, strong broad-spectrum antibacterial ability, and biocompatibility. Herein, we aim to summarize the classification status of various nanozymes. Furthermore, the general catalytic bacteriostatic mechanism of nanozymes against intracellular bacteria, planktonic bacteria, and biofilm activities are highlighted, mainly concerning the destruction of cell walls and/or membranes, reactive oxygen species regulation, HOBr/Cl generation, damage of intracellular components, and so forth. In particular, the review focuses on the pivotal role of nanozymes as antibacterial agents and delivery vehicles in the fields of food preservation applications. We look forward to the future prospects, especially in the field of food preservation, to promote broader applications based on antimicrobial nanozymes.

Bamboo-like nitrogen-doped carbon supported chlorine-doped Fe2P as an antibacterial oxygen reduction catalyst

Bio-inspiration and biomimetics offer guidance for designing and synthesizing advanced catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Herein, a chlorine-doped Fe2P supported by nitrogen-doped carbon (Cl-Fe2P/NC) catalyst was designed and prepared based on imitating the bamboo structure. The electronegative chlorine captured the electron transfer from Fe2P and transferred it to NC through carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The antibacterial chlorine inhibited the cathode biofilm formation to enhance the ion transport. Cl-Fe2P/NC achieved a half-wave potential of 0.91 V and an onset potential of 0.99 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode. After 500 h of reaction, the MFCs assembled by the Cl-Fe2P/NC cathode achieved a maximum power density of 1505 mW m-2. This work provides insights into the design of advanced materials through bio-inspiration and biomimicry.

Nanoarchitectonics of Bimetallic Cu-/Co-Doped Nitrogen-Carbon Nanozyme-Functionalized Hydrogel with NIR-Responsive Phototherapy for Synergistic Mitigation of Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections

Superbug infections and transmission have become major challenges in the contemporary medical field. The development of novel antibacterial strategies to efficiently treat bacterial infections and conquer the problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is extremely important. In this paper, a bimetallic CuCo-doped nitrogen-carbon nanozyme-functionalized hydrogel (CuCo/NC-HG) has been successfully constructed. It exhibits photoresponsive-enhanced enzymatic effects under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation (808 nm) with strong peroxidase (POD)-like and oxidase (OXD)-like activities. Upon NIR irradiation, CuCo/NC-HG possesses photodynamic activity for producing singlet oxygen(1O2), and it also has a high photothermal conversion effect, which not only facilitates the elimination of bacteria but also improves the efficiency of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and accelerates the consumption of GSH. CuCo/NC-HG shows a lower hemolytic rate and better cytocompatibility than CuCo/NC and possesses a positive charge and macroporous skeleton for restricting negatively charged bacteria in the range of ROS destruction, strengthening the antibacterial efficiency. Comparatively, CuCo/NC and CuCo/NC-HG have stronger bactericidal ability against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and ampicillin-resistant Escherichia coli (AmprE. coli) through destroying the cell membranes with a negligible occurrence of AMR. More importantly, CuCo/NC-HG plus NIR irradiation can exhibit satisfactory bactericidal performance in the absence of H2O2, avoiding the toxicity from high-concentration H2O2. In vivo evaluation has been conducted using a mouse wound infection model and histological analyses, and the results show that CuCo/NC-HG upon NIR irradiation can efficiently suppress bacterial infections and promote wound healing, without causing inflammation and tissue adhesions.

Strategies to Promote the Journey of Nanoparticles Against Biofilm-Associated Infections

Biofilm-associated infections are one of the most challenging healthcare threats for humans, accounting for 80% of bacterial infections, leading to persistent and chronic infections. The conventional antibiotics still face their dilemma of poor therapeutic effects due to the high tolerance and resistance led by bacterial biofilm barriers. Nanotechnology-based antimicrobials, nanoparticles (NPs), are paid attention extensively and considered as promising alternative. This review focuses on the whole journey of NPs against biofilm-associated infections, and to clarify it clearly, the journey is divided into four processes in sequence as 1) Targeting biofilms, 2) Penetrating biofilm barrier, 3) Attaching to bacterial cells, and 4) Translocating through bacterial cell envelope. Through outlining the compositions and properties of biofilms and bacteria cells, recent advances and present the strategies of each process are comprehensively discussed to combat biofilm-associated infections, as well as the combined strategies against these infections with drug resistance, aiming to guide the rational design and facilitate wide application of NPs in biofilm-associated infections.

Two-dimensional ternary chalcogenide nanodots with spatially controlled catalytic activity for bacteria infected wound treatment

Nanozymes hold great prospects for bacteria-infected wound management, yet the spatial control of their catalytic activity in infected area and normal tissues remains mired by the heterogeneity of tissue microenvironment. Here, we develop a novel two-dimensional ternary chalcogenide nanodots (Cu2MoS4, CMS NDs) with renal clearable ability and controlled catalytic activity for bacteria-infected wound treatment. The two-dimensional CMS NDs (∼4 nm) are prepared by a simple microwave-assisted chemical synthetic route. Our results show that CMS NDs not only have peroxidase-like activity in a pH-dependent manner (pH < 5.5). Based on the generation of hydroxyl radical (OH) by adding H2O2, CMS NDs show > 2 log bacterial inactivation for both Gram-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) under the acidic condition. Moreover, CMS NDs show good biocompatibility and can be excreted by the kidney in mice. In vivo results display that CMS NDs show good therapeutic effect against bacteria infected wound in the presence of H2O2, but no damage for normal tissues. Taken together, this work provides a renal clearable two-dimensional nanozyme with spatially controlled catalytic activity for the treatment of wounds and bacterial infections on the skin surface.

Advanced nanozymes possess peroxidase-like catalytic activities in biomedical and antibacterial fields: review and progress

Infectious diseases caused by bacterial invasions have imposed a significant global health and economic burden. More worryingly, multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogenic bacteria born under the abuse of antibiotics have further escalated the status quo. Nowadays, at the crossroads of multiple disciplines such as chemistry, nanoscience and biomedicine, nanozymes, as enzyme-mimicking nanomaterials, not only possess excellent bactericidal ability but also reduce the possibility of inducing resistance. Thus, nanozymes are promising to serve as an alternative to traditional antibiotics. Nanozymes that mimic peroxidase (POD) activity are also known as POD nanozymes. In recent years, POD nanozymes have become one of the most frequently reported and effective nanozymes due to their broad-spectrum bactericidal properties and unique sterilization mechanism. In this review, we introduce the mechanism as well as the classification of POD nanozymes. More importantly, to further improve the antibacterial efficacy of POD nanozymes, we elaborate on three aspects: (1) improving the physicochemical properties; (2) regulating the catalytic microenvironment; and (3) designing multimodel POD nanozymes. In addition, we review the nanosafety of POD nanozymes for discussing their potential toxicity. Finally, the remaining challenges of POD nanozymes and possible future directions are discussed. This work provides a systematic summary of POD nanozymes and hopefully contributes to the early clinical translation.

Arginine-Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity of Nanozymes against Gram-Negative Bacteria

The continuous reduction of clinically available antibiotics has made it imperative to exploit more effective antimicrobial therapies, especially for difficult-to-treat Gram-negative pathogens. Herein, it is shown that the combination of an antimicrobial nanozyme with the clinically compatible basic amino acid L-arginine affords a potent treatment for infections with Gram-negative pathogens. In particular, the antimicrobial activity of the antimicrobial nanozyme is dramatically increased by ≈1000-fold after L-arginine stimulation. Specifically, the combination therapy enhances bacterial outer and inner membrane permeability and promotes intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Moreover, the metabolomic and transcriptomic results reveal that combination treatment leads to the increased ROS-mediated damage by inhibiting the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, thereby inducing an imbalance of the antioxidant and oxidant systems. Importantly, L-arginine dramatically significantly accelerates the healing of infected wounds in mouse models of multidrug-resistant peritonitis-sepsis and skin wound infection. Overall, this work demonstrates a novel synergistic antibacterial strategy by combining the antimicrobial nanozymes with L-arginine, which substantively facilitates the nanozyme-mediated killing of pathogens by promoting ROS production.

Chitosan-chelated carbon dots-based nanozyme of extreme stability with super peroxidase activity and antibacterial ability for wound healing

Bacterial infection often leads to failed wound healing, causing one-third of death cases globally. However, antibacterial nanomaterials and natural enzymes face limitations including low antibacterial efficiency, lack of catalytic performance, low safety, and instability. Therefore, a new Fe/N-doped chitosan-chelated carbon dot-based nanozyme CS@Fe-N CDs was developed, which showed multiple advantages such as highly efficient antibacterial activity, excellent peroxidase-like activity, high stability, and high biocompatibility, shortening the wound healing time. The ultra-small (6.14 ± 3.38 nm) CS@Fe-N CDs nanozyme accelerated the H2O2 to ·OH conversion, exhibiting excellent antibacterial performance against Staphylococcus aureus. The antibacterial activity was increased by over 2000-fold after catalysis. The CS@Fe-N CDs nanozyme also displayed outstanding peroxidase activity (Vmax/Km = 1.77 × 10-6/s), 8.8-fold higher than horseradish peroxidase. Additionally, the CS@Fe-N CDs nanozyme exhibited high stability at broad pH values (pH 1-12) and temperature ranges (20-90 °C). In vitro evaluation of cell toxicity proved that the CS@Fe-N CDs nanozyme had negligible cytotoxicity. In vivo, wound healing experiments demonstrated that the CS@Fe-N CDs could shorten the healing time of rat wounds by at least 4 days, and even had a better curative effect than penicillin. In conclusion, this therapeutic platform provides an effective antibacterial and biologically safe healing strategy for skin wounds.

Copper(II)-infused porphyrin MOF: maximum scavenging GSH for enhanced photodynamic disruption of bacterial biofilm

Bacterial biofilm infection is a serious obstacle to clinical therapeutics. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) plays a dynamic role in combating biofilm infection by utilizing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced bacterial oxidation injury, showing advantages of mild side effects, spatiotemporal controllability and little drug resistance. However, superfluous glutathione (GSH) present in biofilm and bacteria corporately reduces ROS levels and seriously affects PDT efficiency. Herein, we have constructed a Cu2+-infused porphyrin metal-organic framework (MOF@Cu2+) for the enhanced photodynamic combating of biofilm infection by the maximum depletion of GSH. Our results show that the released Cu2+ from porphyrin MOF@Cu2+ could not only oxidize GSH in biofilm but also consume GSH leaked from ROS-destroyed bacteria, thus greatly weakening the antioxidant system in biofilm and bacteria and dramatically improving the ROS levels. As expected, our dual-enhanced PDT nanoplatform exhibits a strong biofilm eradication ability both in vitro and in an in vivo biofilm-infected mouse model. In addition, Cu2+ can promote biofilm-infected wound closing by provoking cell immigration, collagen sediment and angiogenesis. Besides, no apparent toxicity was detected after treatment with MOF@Cu2+. Overall, our design offers a new paradigm for photodynamic combating biofilm infection.

pH-Responsive Wound Dressing Based on Biodegradable CuP Nanozymes for Treating Infected and Diabetic Wounds

Nanozymes, emerging nanomaterials for wound healing, exhibit enzyme-like activity to modulate the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at wound sites. Yet, the solo regulation of endogenous ROS by nanozymes often falls short, particularly in chronic refractory wounds with complex and variable pathological microenvironments. In this study, we report the development of a multifunctional wound dressing integrating a conventional alginate (Alg) hydrogel with a newly developed biodegradable copper hydrogen phosphate (CuP) nanozyme, which possesses good near-infrared (NIR) photothermal conversion capabilities, sustained Cu ion release ability, and pH-responsive peroxidase/catalase-mimetic catalytic activity. When examining acute infected wounds characterized by a low pH environment, the engineered Alg/CuP composite hydrogels demonstrated high bacterial eradication efficacy against both planktonic bacteria and biofilms, attributed to the combined action of catalytically generated hydroxyl radicals and the sustained release of Cu ions. In contrast, when applied to chronic diabetic wounds, which typically have a high pH environment, these composite hydrogels exhibit significant angiogenic performance. This is driven by the provision of catalytically generated dissolved oxygen and a beneficial supplement of Cu ions released from the degradable CuP nanozyme. Further, a mild thermal effect induced by NIR irradiation amplifies the catalytic activities and bioactivity of Cu ions, thereby enhancing the healing process of both infected and diabetic wounds. Our study validates that the synergistic integration of photothermal effects, catalytic activity, and released Cu ions can concurrently yield high antibacterial efficiency and tissue regenerative activity, rendering it highly promising for various clinical applications in wound healing.

Recent Development of Copper-Based Nanozymes for Biomedical Applications

Copper (Cu), an indispensable trace element within the human body, serving as an intrinsic constituent of numerous natural enzymes, carrying out vital biological functions. Furthermore, nanomaterials exhibiting enzyme-mimicking properties, commonly known as nanozymes, possess distinct advantages over their natural enzyme counterparts, including cost-effectiveness, enhanced stability, and adjustable performance. These advantageous attributes have captivated the attention of researchers, inspiring them to devise various Cu-based nanomaterials, such as copper oxide, Cu metal-organic framework, and CuS, and explore their potential in enzymatic catalysis. This comprehensive review encapsulates the most recent advancements in Cu-based nanozymes, illuminating their applications in the realm of biochemistry. Initially, it is delved into the emulation of typical enzyme types achieved by Cu-based nanomaterials. Subsequently, the latest breakthroughs concerning Cu-based nanozymes in biochemical sensing, bacterial inhibition, cancer therapy, and neurodegenerative diseases treatment is discussed. Within this segment, it is also explored the modulation of Cu-based nanozyme activity. Finally, a visionary outlook for the future development of Cu-based nanozymes is presented.

Acylhydrazone Functionalized Triphenylamine-Based Fluorescent Probe for Cu2+: Tunable Structures of Conjugated Bridge and Its Practical Application

Novel fluorescent probes were constructed for the convenient and rapid analysis of Cu2+ ions, taking advantages of the the triphenylamine backbone as chromophore and acylhydrazone group as the Cu2+ recognition site. Especially, probe T2 could act as a dual-channel probe towards Cu2+ through both fluorescent and colorimetric method. Through the fluorescent method, the detection limit of probe T2 was calculated to be as low as 90 nmol/L and there was a good linear relationship between the intensity change and the concentration of Cu2+ ions. By virtue of the two-phase liquid-liquid extraction method, probe T2 could be successfully applied in practical extraction and separation of Cu2+. Furthermore, by applying a "turn-off-turn-on" circle, compound T2 could act as a sensitive probe towards S2- anions through the indirect approach and the detection limit of complex T2-Cu2+ for S2- anion was found to be 110 nmol/L.

Antibacterial Hydrogel as a Self-Drug-Delivery System Derived from Zn(II)-bis-imidazole/NSAID-Based Organic-Inorganic Hybrids

A skin wound is prone to bacterial infection and growth. An antibacterial topical hydrogel that can act as a self-drug-delivery (SDD) system is reported here. Two bidentate ligands (L2/L1) derived from imidazole/benzimidazole derivatives when reacted with Zn(NO3)2 and a series of nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) produced crystalline products, which were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SXRD). Simple mixing of the ingredients of the crystalline products (stoichiometry guided by the corresponding crystal structure) produced an aqueous gel (DMSO/water) when the bidentate ligand was water-insoluble L2, whereas water-soluble L1 readily produced hydrogels under similar conditions. Dynamic rheology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to characterize the gels. Zone inhibition diameters, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and hemolysis data suggested that among the hydrogelators, L1MEC derived from L1, meclofenac and Zn(NO3)2, was found to be the best against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. The corresponding hydrogel L1MEC_HG and a piece of a dried cloth bandage coated with the hydrogel also showed appreciable activity against E. coli. The antibacterial property of L1MEC_HG against E. coli, thus demonstrated, is relevant in developing an antibacterial SDD system because E. coli is reported to be present in infected wounds.

Synthesis of γ-Cyclodextrin-Reduced Fe(III) Nanoparticles with Peroxidase-like Catalytic Activity for Bacteriostasis of Food

Foodborne pathogens are a primary cause of human foodborne illness, making it imperative to explore novel antibacterial strategies for their control. In this study, Fe-γ-CD was successfully synthesized as a food antibacterial agent for use in milk and orange juice. The Fe-γ-CD consists of 6/11 Fe(II) and 5/11 Fe(III), which catalyze a Fenton-like catalytic reaction with H2O2 to generate •OH. Consequently, Fe-γ-CD exhibits exceptional peroxidase-like activity and broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy. Fe-γ-CD not only disrupts the wall structure of ESBL-E. coli but also induces protein leakage and genetic destruction, ultimately leading to its death. Furthermore, Fe-γ-CD inhibits biofilm formation by MRSA and eradicates mature biofilms, resulting in MRSA's demise. Importantly, Fe-γ-CD demonstrates negligible cytotoxicity toward normal mammalian cells, making it an ideal candidate for application as an antibacterial agent in foodstuffs. These findings highlight that Fe-γ-CD is an effective tool for combating the spread of foodborne pathogens and food safety.

pH-Activated Scallop-Type Nanoenzymes for Oxidative Stress Amplification and Photothermal Enhancement of Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Effect

Ferric phosphate (FePOs) nanoenzymes can express peroxidase (POD) activity under the dual stimulation of an acidic environment and high H2O2 concentrations. In living organisms, this generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in sites of lesion infection, and thus FePOs nanoenzymes can act as antimicrobial agents. Here, CeO2 and ZnO2 were immobilized in a scallop-type FePOs nanoenzyme material loaded with a photosensitizer, indocyanine green, to synthesize a multifunctional cascade nanoparticle system (FePOs-CeO2-ZnO2-ICG, FCZI NPs). H2O2 concentrations could be adjusted through the ZnO2 self-activation response to the slightly acidic environment in biofilms, further promoting the release of ROS from the POD-like reaction of FePOs, achieving amplification of oxidative stress, DNA and cell membrane damage, and exploiting the photodynamic/photothermal effects of indocyanine green to enhance the antibiofilm effects. CeO2 can remove redundant ROS by switching from Ce4+ to Ce3+ valence, enhancing its ability to fight chronic inflammation and oxidative stress and thus promoting the regeneration of tissues around infection. By maintaining the redox balance of normal cells, increasing ROS at the infection site, eliminating redundant ROS, and protecting normal tissues from damage, the synthesized system maximizes the elimination of biofilms and treatment at the infection site. Therefore, this work may pave the way for the application of biocompatible nanoenzymes.

Tailoring the Surface and Composition of Nanozymes for Enhanced Bacterial Binding and Antibacterial Activity

With the advantages of diverse structures, tunable enzymatic activity, and high stability, nanozymes are widely used in medicine, chemistry, food, environment, and other fields. As an alternative to traditional antibiotics, nanozymes attract more and more attention from the scientific researchers in recent years. Developing nanozymes-based antibacterial materials opens up a new avenue for the bacterial disinfection and sterilization. In this review, the classification of nanozymes and their antibacterial mechanisms are discussed. The surface and composition of nanozymes are critical for the antibacterial efficacy, which can be tailored to enhance both the bacterial binding and the antibacterial activity. On the one hand, the surface modification of nanozymes enables binding and targeting of bacteria that improves the antibacterial performance of nanozymes including the biochemical recognition, the surface charge, and the surface topography. On the other hand, the composition of nanozymes can be modulated to achieve enhanced antibacterial performance including the single nanozyme-mediated synergistic and multiple nanozymes-mediated cascade catalytic antibacterial applications. In addition, the current challenges and future prospects of tailoring nanozymes for antibacterial applications are discussed. This review can provide insights into the design of future nanozymes-based materials for the antibacterial treatments.

Effect of strontium substitution on functional activity of phosphate-based glass

Phosphate-based glass (PBG) is a bioactive agent, composed of a glass network with phosphate as the primary component and can be substituted with various therapeutic ions for functional enhancement. Strontium (Sr) has been shown to stimulate osteogenic activity and inhibit pro-inflammatory responses. Despite this potential, there are limited studies that focus on the proportion of Sr substituted and its impact on the functional activity of resulting Sr-substituted PBG (PSr). In this study, focusing on the cellular biological response we synthesized and investigated the functional activity of PSr by characterizing its properties and comparing the effect of Sr substitution on cellular bioactivity. Moreover, we benchmarked the optimal composition against 45S5 bioactive glass (BG). Our results showed that PSr groups exhibited a glass structure and phosphate network like that of PBG. The release of Sr and P was most stable for PSr6, which showed favorable cell viability. Furthermore, PSr6 elicited excellent early osteogenic marker expression and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, which was significant compared to BG. In addition, compared to BG, PSr6 had markedly higher expression of osteopontin in immunocytochemistry, higher ALP expression in osteogenic media, and denser alizarin red staining in vitro. We also observed a comparable in vivo regenerative response in a 4-week rabbit calvaria defect model. Therefore, based on the results of this study, PSr6 could be identified as the functionally optimized composition with the potential to be applied as a valuable bioactive component of existing biomaterials used for bone regeneration.

SrCuSi4 O10 /GelMA Composite Hydrogel-Mediated Vital Pulp Therapy: Integrating Antibacterial Property and Enhanced Pulp Regeneration Activity

Vital pulp therapy (VPT) is considered a conservative treatment for preserving pulp viability in caries-induced dental pulp infections. However, bacterial contamination negatively affects dentine-pulp complex repair. The common capping materials show limited antimicrobial effects against some microorganisms. To improve the VPT efficacy, capping materials with increased antibacterial properties and enhanced odontogenic and angiogenic activities are needed. Herein, a SrCuSi4 O10 /gelatin methacrylate(SC/Gel) composite hydrogel has been proposed for infected dental pulp treatment. SrCuSi4 O10 (SC) is a microscale bioceramic composed of assembled multilayered nanosheets that possesses good near-infrared photothermal conversion ability and multiple bioactivities due to sustained Sr2+ , Cu2+ , and SiO3 2- ion release. It is shown that the SC/Gel composite hydrogel efficiently eliminates Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei and inhibits biofilm formation under photothermal heating, while the ion extract from SC promotes odontogenesis of rat dental pulp stem cells and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The as-designed therapeutic effect of SC/Gel composite hydrogel-mediated VPT has been proven in a rat dental pulp infection model and yielded improved dentine-pulp complex repair compared with the commercially used iRoot® BP Plus. This study suggests that the SC/Gel composite hydrogel is a potential pulp-capping material with improved effects on dentine-pulp complex repair in infected pulp.

Recent Advances in Nanozyme-Mediated Strategies for Pathogen Detection and Control

Pathogen detection and control have long presented formidable challenges in the domains of medicine and public health. This review paper underscores the potential of nanozymes as emerging bio-mimetic enzymes that hold promise in effectively tackling these challenges. The key features and advantages of nanozymes are introduced, encompassing their comparable catalytic activity to natural enzymes, enhanced stability and reliability, cost effectiveness, and straightforward preparation methods. Subsequently, the paper delves into the detailed utilization of nanozymes for pathogen detection. This includes their application as biosensors, facilitating rapid and sensitive identification of diverse pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and plasmodium. Furthermore, the paper explores strategies employing nanozymes for pathogen control, such as the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), HOBr/Cl regulation, and clearance of extracellular DNA to impede pathogen growth and transmission. The review underscores the vast potential of nanozymes in pathogen detection and control through numerous specific examples and case studies. The authors highlight the efficiency, rapidity, and specificity of pathogen detection achieved with nanozymes, employing various strategies. They also demonstrate the feasibility of nanozymes in hindering pathogen growth and transmission. These innovative approaches employing nanozymes are projected to provide novel options for early disease diagnoses, treatment, and prevention. Through a comprehensive discourse on the characteristics and advantages of nanozymes, as well as diverse application approaches, this paper serves as a crucial reference and guide for further research and development in nanozyme technology. The expectation is that such advancements will significantly contribute to enhancing disease control measures and improving public health outcomes.

Nature-Skin-Derived e-Skin as Versatile "Wound Therapy-Health Monitoring" Bioelectronic Skin-Scaffolds: Skin to Bio-e-Skin

Electronic skins (e-skins) have the potential to turn into breakthroughs in biomedical applications. Herein, a novel acellular dermal matrix (ADM)-based bioelectronic skin (e-ADM) is used to fabricate versatile "wound therapy-health monitoring" tissue-nanoengineered skin scaffolds via a facile "one-pot" bio-compositing strategy to incorporate the conductive carbon nanotubes and self-assembled micro-copper oxide microspheres with a cicada-wing-like rough surface and nanocone microstructure. The e-ADM exhibits robust tensile strength (22 MPa), flexibility, biodegradability, electroactivity, and antibacterial properties. Interestingly, e-ADM exhibits the pH-responsive ability for intelligent command between sterilization and wound repair . Additionally, e-ADM enables accurate real-time monitoring of human activities, providing a novel flexible e-skin sensor to record injury and motions. In vitro and in vivo experiments show that with electrical stimulation, e-ADM could prominently facilitate cell growth and proliferation and further promote full-thickness skin wound healing, providing a comprehensive therapeutic strategy for smart sensing and tissue repair, guiding the development of high-performance "wound therapy-health monitoring" bioelectronic skin-scaffolds.

Emerging antibacterial nanozymes for wound healing

Wound infections continuously impose a huge economic and social burden on public healthcare. Despite the effective treatment of bacteria-infected wounds after using traditional antibiotics, the misuse of antibiotics usually causes the spread of bacterial resistance and decreases therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, the development of efficient antibacterial agents is urgently needed. Nanozymes, as a new generation of artificial enzymes, combine the intrinsic abilities of nanomaterials and natural enzymes. Recently, nanozymes has been widely developed to kill bacteria and treat wound infections by catalyzing the generation of various reactive oxygen species. Thus, this new concept of "antibacterial nanozymes" will promote the further advances of connecting nanozymes and bacterial elimination. To highlight these achievements, we summarize different types of antibacterial nanozymes for wound healing. It is believed that such a promising therapeutic strategy of developing antibacterial nanozymes will make a great contribution in the field of skin regeneration. We expect that antibacterial nanozymes will play the significant roles in both basic research and clinical applications.

Laser-Induced Fabrication of Micro-Optics on Bioresorbable Calcium Phosphate Glass for Implantable Devices

In this study, a single-step nanosecond laser-induced generation of micro-optical features is demonstrated on an antibacterial bioresorbable Cu-doped calcium phosphate glass. The inverse Marangoni flow of the laser-generated melt is exploited for the fabrication of microlens arrays and diffraction gratings. The process is realized in a matter of few seconds and, by optimizing the laser parameters, micro-optical features with a smooth surface are obtained showing a good optical quality. The tunability of the microlens' dimensions is achieved by varying the laser power, allowing the obtaining of multi-focal microlenses that are of great interest for three-dimensional (3D) imaging. Furthermore, the microlens' shape can be tuned between hyperboloid and spherical. The fabricated microlenses exhibited good focusing and imaging performance and the variable focal lengths were measured experimentally, showing good agreement with the calculated values. The diffraction gratings obtained by this method showed the typical periodic pattern with a first-order efficiency of about 5.1%. Finally, the dissolution characteristics of the fabricated micropatterns were studied in a phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS, pH = 7.4) demonstrating the bioresorbability of the micro-optical components. This study offers a new approach for the fabrication of micro-optics on bioresorbable glass, which could enable the manufacturing of new implantable optical sensing components for biomedical applications.

Novel ultrasensitive Raman assay method based on enzyme mimetics for ultra trace of H2O2

Enzyme mimetics have been widely applied on H₂O₂ assay, but it is still challenging and interesting to realize the sensitive detection for ultra-trace H₂O₂. Here, an ultrasensitive Raman assay method based on novel WO₃@IP6-Fe³⁺ enzyme mimetics with peroxidase-like activity was established. WO₃ microspheres (MSs) were found to have weak peroxidase-like activity, and the combination of IP6-Fe³⁺ and WO₃ can produce stronger activity. WO₃@IP6-Fe³⁺ MSs showed polyhedron-like structure, uniform size, and smooth surface. Although WO₃@IP6-Fe³⁺ enzyme mimetics have low catalytic efficiency and high absorbance background, the proposed Raman method can bypass the above problems. In Raman method, high concentration of WO₃@IP6-Fe³⁺ can be used to overcome low catalytic efficiency without high absorbance background. Moreover, 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine oxide has prominent characteristic Raman peak at 1608 cm^-1, greatly improving the sensitivity and eliminating interference of impurities. Due to the high sensitivity and low background, Raman assay showed the ultra-low limit of detection (5.49 × 10^-15 M), which was 4-7 orders of magnitude lower than other detection methods. The ultrasensitive Raman assay not only provided the possibility for the enzyme mimetics-based detection of ultra-trace H₂O₂, but also enable the enzyme mimetics with low activity to be applied.

In Situ Fabrication of Silver Peroxide Hybrid Ultrathin Co-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Chemodynamic Antibacterial Therapy

Bacterial-induced infectious diseases have always caused an unavoidable problem and lead to an increasing threat to human health. Hence, there is an urgent need for effective antibacterial strategies to treat infectious diseases. Current methods are often ineffective and require large amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), with harmful effects on normal healthy tissue. Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) provides an ideal infection microenvironment (IME)-activated paradigm to tackle bacterial-related diseases. To take full advantage of the specificity of IME and enhanced CDT for wounds with bacterial infection, we have designed an intelligent antibacterial system that exploits nanocatalytic ZIF-67@Ag₂O₂ nanosheets. In this system, silver peroxide nanoparticles (Ag₂O₂ NPs) were grown on ultrathin zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) nanosheets by in situ oxidation, and then, ZIF-67@Ag₂O₂ nanosheets with the ability to self-generate H₂O₂ were triggered by the mildly acidic environment of IME. Lamellar ZIF-67 nanosheets were shown to rapidly degrade and release Co²⁺, allowing the conversion of less reactive H₂O₂ into the highly toxic reactive oxygen species hydroxyl radicals (^•OH) for enhanced CDT antibacterial properties. In vivo results revealed that the ZIF-67@Ag₂O₂ nanosheet system exhibits excellent antibacterial performance against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The proposed hybrid strategy demonstrates a promising therapeutic strategy to enable antibacterial agents with IME-responsive nanocatalytic activity to circumvent antibiotic resistance against bacterial infections.

Copper-based nanoparticles against microbial infections

Drug-resistant bacteria and highly infectious viruses are among the major global threats affecting the human health. There is an immediate need for novel strategies to tackle this challenge. Copper-based nanoparticles (CBNPs) have exhibited a broad antimicrobial capacity and are receiving increasing attention in this context. In this review, we describe the functionalization of CBNPs, elucidate their antibacterial and antiviral activity as well as applications, and briefly review their toxicity, biodistribution, and persistence. The limitations of the current study and potential solutions are also shortly discussed. The review will guide the rational design of functional nanomaterials for antimicrobial application. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease.

A bioinspired copper-based coordination polymer for the detection of pheochromocytoma biomarkers

Oxidase-mimicking (catechol oxidase/laccase) nanozymes provide outstanding specificity in the detection of epinephrine (Epi) for the assessment of pheochromocytoma; however, epinephrine (Epi) and norepinephrine (NE) co-existing in the same systems will reduce the selectivity of the biosensor. In the current study, we synthesized copper-based coordination polymer (Cu-CP) nanozymes capable of accelerating the oxidation of Epi with high specificity. Furthermore, the Cu-CP is able to detect Epi over a wide linear range of 0.5-100 μM with a low detection limit of 0.36 μM while providing excellent stability and recyclability. Furthermore, we employed colorimetric and fluorescence signals for sequential detection of the coexistence of Epi and NE for use in tracking the treatment outcomes of patients with pheochromocytoma. Experiments using artificial urine further confirmed the efficacy of the proposed system.

Electrogenerated copper selenide with positive charge to efficiently capture and combat drug-resistant bacteria for wound healing

Limited by the effective radius of metal ion release, higher concentrations of antibacterial agents are usually required to achieve satisfactory efficacy. Unfortunately, the potential cytotoxicity of metal ions limits the administered dose, which greatly hinders the widespread use of metal antibacterial agents. In this work, we used a convenient electrochemical method to prepare electropositive copper selenide (CuSe) nanosheets gathered from the cathode. Under physiological conditions, trace amounts of electrolytic CuSe (E-CuSe, 1 μg mL^-1) could electrostatically bind to bacterial membranes and almost completely kill three resistant bacteria models (10⁶ colony forming unit (CFU) mL^-1). The extremely low effective dose of E-CuSe reaches a new benchmark in comparison with copper-based nanomaterials in other related studies. In addition, due to the reasonable coupling of selenium and copper, the as-prepared E-CuSe nanosheets exhibit lower cytotoxicity compared to copper oxide. As expected, the E-CuSe performed well in resistant bacteria-infected wound healing in rats, rapidly promoting wound tissue with a diameter of about 1 cm recovery within 7 days. Transcriptome analysis revealed the E-CuSe mainly acted on the membrane transport and DNA synthesis systems of bacterial cells. This work presents an efficient and in-depth paradigm for the scientific design and inactivation mechanism of metal antibacterial agents.

Specific discrimination and efficient elimination of gram-positive bacteria by an aggregation-induced emission-active ruthenium (II) photosensitizer

The infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria (G⁺) have seriously endangered public heath due to their high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a multifunctional system for selective recognition, imaging and efficient eradication of G⁺. Aggregation-induced emission materials have shown great promise for microbial detection and antimicrobial therapy. In this paper, a multifunctional ruthenium (II) polypyridine complex Ru2 with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristic, was developed and used for selective discrimination and efficient extermination of G⁺ from other bacteria with unique selectivity. The selective G⁺ recognition benefited from the interaction between lipoteichoic acids (LTA) and Ru2. Accumulation of Ru2 on the G⁺ membrane turned on its AIE luminescence and allowed specific G⁺ staining. Meanwhile, Ru2 under light irradiation also possessed robust antibacterial activity for G⁺in vitro and in vivo antibacterial experiments. To the best of our knowledge, Ru2 is the first Ru-based AIEgen photosensitizer for simultaneous dual applications of G⁺ detection and treatment, and inspires the development of promising antibacterial agents in the future.

Metal-Based Nanozymes with Multienzyme-Like Activities as Therapeutic Candidates: Applications, Mechanisms, and Optimization Strategy

Most nanozymes in development for medical applications only exhibit single-enzyme-like activity, and are thus limited by insufficient catalytic activity and dysfunctionality in complex pathological microenvironments. To overcome the impediments of limited substrate availabilities and concentrations, some metal-based nanozymes may mimic two or more activities of natural enzymes to catalyze cascade reactions or to catalyze multiple substrates simultaneously, thereby amplifying catalysis. Metal-based nanozymes with multienzyme-like activities (MNMs) may adapt to dissimilar catalytic conditions to exert different enzyme-like effects. These multienzyme-like activities can synergize to realize "self-provision of the substrate," in which upstream catalysts produce substrates for downstream catalytic reactions to overcome the limitation of insufficient substrates in the microenvironment. Consequently, MNMs exert more potent antitumor, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical models. This review summarizes the cellular effects and underlying mechanisms of MNMs. Their potential medical utility and optimization strategy from the perspective of clinical requirements are also discussed, with the aim to provide a theoretical reference for the design, development, and therapeutic application of their catalytic effects.

ε-Polylysine-Based Macromolecules with Catalase-Like Activity to Accelerate Wound Healing by Clearing Bacteria and Attenuating Inflammatory Response

Wound healing has remained a critical challenge due to its susceptibility to bacterial infection and the unique biological inflammatory response. Safe and effective therapeutics are still lacking. Biodegradable macromolecules (ε-polylysine-g-ferrocene, EPL-g-Fc) were developed to accelerate wound healing by combating bacterial infection and attenuating inflammatory responses. The biodegradable macromolecules were prepared via a Schiff-based reaction between ferrocene carboxaldehyde (Fc) and ε-polylysine (EPL). Through the synergistic combination of positive-charged EPL and π-π stacked Fc, the macromolecules possess excellent antibacterial activities. EPL-g-Fc with catalase-like activity could modulate the oxidative microenvironment in mammalian cells and zebrafish by catalyzing H₂O₂ into H₂O and O₂. EPL-g-Fc could alleviate inflammatory response in vitro. Furthermore, the macromolecules could accelerate bacteria-infected wound healing in vivo. This work provides a versatile strategy for repairing bacteria-infected wounds by eliminating bacteria, modulating oxidative microenvironment, and alleviating inflammatory response.

Exploring the Antibacterial and Biosensing Applications of Peroxidase-Mimetic Ni0.1Cu0.9S Nanoflower

Nanozymes, as artificial enzymes with the biological action of natural enzymes, have enormous potential in the fields of disease diagnosis, bacteriostasis, biosensing, etc. In this work, the Ni_0.1Cu_0.9S nanoflower was successfully synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal method. A combined strategy of Ni doping and morphology design was employed to adjust its electronic structure and active sites, endowing the Ni_0.1Cu_0.9S nanoflower with excellent peroxidase-like activity. Therefore, it can catalyze the decomposition of H₂O₂ to generate •OH with higher antibacterial activity, establishing a broad-spectrum antibacterial system based on the Ni_0.1Cu_0.9S nanoflower against E. coli and S. aureus, which avoids the harm of a high concentration of H₂O₂. Additionally, the colorless substrate TMB can be catalytically oxidized into blue ox-TMB via •OH. As a result, a colorimetric technique with rapid and accurate detection of ascorbic acid (AA) by the unaided eye was designed, in view of the specific inhibition effect towards the oxidation of TMB. This detection platform has a wide linear range (10~800 μM) with a low limit of detection (0.84 μM) and exhibits a satisfactory selectivity toward the detection of AA. This study sheds new light on the application of copper-containing nanozymes in the fields of biomedicine and bioassay.

Core-Shell Polydopamine/Cu Nanometer Rods Efficiently Deactivate Microbes by Mimicking Chloride-Activated Peroxidases

Cu-modified nanoparticles have been designed to mimic peroxidase, and their potent antibacterial and anti-biofilm abilities have been widely investigated. In this study, novel core-shell polydopamine (PDA)/Cu₄(OH)₆SO₄ crystal (PDA/Cu) nanometer rods were prepared. The PDA/Cu nanometer rods show similar kinetic behaviors to chloride-activated peroxidases, exhibit excellent photothermal properties, and are sensitive to the concentrations of pH values and the substrate (i.e., H₂O₂). PDA/Cu nanometer rods could adhere to the bacteria and catalyze hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to generate more reactive hydroxy radicals (^•OH) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, Furthermore, PDA/Cu nanometer rods show enhanced catalytic and photothermal synergistic antibacterial activity. This work provides a simple, inexpensive, and effective strategy for antibacterial applications.

Dimensionality reduction boosts the peroxidase-like activity of bimetallic MOFs for enhanced multidrug-resistant bacteria eradication

The antibacterial strategy using cutting-edge metal-organic framework (MOF)-based nanozymes can effectively solve the problem caused by antibiotic resistance to protect human health and the environment; however it has been significantly limited by the complicated modification method and non-ideal catalytic activity. Herein, we report a facile dimensionality-reduction strategy to improve the catalytic activity of MOF-based nanozymes. By reducing the dimensionality of two-dimensional Co-TCPP(Fe) (Co-Fe NSs) to zero-dimensional Co-TCPP(Fe) (Co-Fe NDs), the peroxidase-like activity of the prepared bimetallic Co-Fe NDs was almost tripled. Consequently, the bimetallic Co-Fe NDs can highly efficiently catalyze the lower-concentration H₂O₂ into reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in a favorable antibacterial effect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Meanwhile, Co-Fe NDs can effectively promote wound healing and water environment disinfection with good biocompatibility. This work reveals the potential of a zero-dimensional bimetallic MOF-based nanozyme in resisting drug-resistant bacteria and holds great promise for future clinical and environmental applications.

NIR-responsive MoS2-Cu2WS4 nanosheets for catalytic/photothermal therapy of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections

The extensive usage of antibiotics causes the rapid evolution of drug-resistant bacteria, which seriously threaten human health. Thus, efficient strategies for treating drug-resistant bacterial infections are urgently needed. Herein, MoS₂-Cu₂WS₄ nanosheets (MS-CWS NSs) are prepared as a near-infrared (NIR) light responsive nanozyme to effectively combat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections by catalytic/photothermal effects. By integrating oxidase (OXD)- and peroxidase (POD)-mimic catalytic activity, MS-CWS NSs have the ability to inactivate MRSA without the addition of H₂O₂. Moreover, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced from MS-CWS NSs are further enhanced by NIR light irradiation, which remarkably causes the death of MRSA. MS-CWS NSs show 4.4 log (99.996%) bacterial inactivation efficiency of MRSA in vitro under NIR light irradiation (0.8 W cm^-2, 5 min). In an MRSA infected wound mouse model, MS-CWS NSs inactivate the MRSA by more than 5.2 log (>99.999%) and effectively promote wound healing. This work provides an NIR-responsive 2D nanozyme for efficient treatment of MRSA infections.

Magnetic-controlled dandelion-like nanocatalytic swarm for targeted biofilm elimination

Infections caused by drug-resistant strains pose a serious threat to human health. Most bacterial infections are related to biofilms. The generation of a bacterial biofilm greatly reduces the antibacterial efficiency of antibiotics and some traditional antibacterial drugs, and it is very important to develop antibacterial drugs to replace antibiotics. Here, encouraged by the promising magnetic control technology of micro/nanorobots, the synergistic antibacterial strategy of a dandelion-like magnetically-controlled multifunctional hierarchical magnetic biomimetic nanozyme, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@dendritic mesoporous silica@small-Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (FSDMSsF NPs), was developed to be effective against bacterial biofilms. FSDMSsF NPs showed great magnetic properties and peroxidase-like activities, and could act as catalytic carriers for the production of hydroxyl radicals that are highly toxic to bacteria in a low-concentration H₂O₂ environment, killing planktonic bacteria. The antibacterial rate of FSDMSsF NPs reached 99.5% at a concentration of 200 μg mL^-1. The synergistic antibacterial mechanisms of the mechanical factor and the chemical factor are further discussed. Under time-varying magnetic swarm control, the antibacterial performance of FSDMSsF NPs against bacteria was significantly improved. On this basis, the elimination effect of FSDMSsF NPs on bacterial biofilms is further discussed. The results showed that FSDMSsF NPs could target and eliminate biofilms through complex channels under the control of magnetic fields. In addition, the system could remove biofilms in occlusions by changing the morphology and movement mode of an FSDMSsF NP swarm under magnetic field control. The current work proposes a facile and physical-chemical synergistic strategy for effective antibacterial therapy. FSDMSsF NPs could effectively kill planktonic bacteria and remove stubborn biofilms through magnetic field guidance, achieving thorough antibacterial efficacy, which has great potential in the treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections.

Iron Phosphate Nanozyme-Hydrogel with Multienzyme-like Activity for Efficient Bacterial Sterilization

Pathogenic bacteria infections have posed a threat to human health worldwide. Nanomaterials with natural enzymatic activity provide an opportunity for the development of new antibacterial pathways. We successfully constructed iron phosphate nanozyme-hydrogel (FePO₄-HG) with the traits of positive charge and macropores. Interestingly, FePO₄-HG displayed not only peroxidase-like activity under acidic bacterial infectious microenvironment but also superoxide dismutase-catalase-like synergistic effects in neutral or weak alkaline conditions, thus protecting normal tissues from the peroxidase-like protocol with exogenous H₂O₂ damage. Furthermore, the positive charge and macropore structure of FePO₄-HG could capture and restrict bacteria in the range of ROS destruction. Obviously, FePO₄-HG exhibited excellent antibacterial ability against MRSA and AREC with the assistance of H₂O₂. Significantly, the FePO₄-HG + H₂O₂ system could efficiently disrupt the bacterial biofilm formation and facilitate the glutathione oxidation process to rapid bacterial death with low cytotoxicity. Moreover, FePO₄-HG was unsusceptible to bacterial resistance development in MRSA. Animal experiments showed that the FePO₄-HG + H₂O₂ group could efficiently eliminate the MRSA infection and present excellent wound healing without inflammation and tissue adhesions. With further development and optimization, FePO₄-HG has great potential as a new class of antibacterial agents to fight antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

The Schiff Base Probe With J-aggregation Induced Emission for Selective Detection of Cu2

Here, three Schiff bases 3a-c, differing by the substitutions (-H, -Cl, and -N(CH₃)₂) on the phenyl ring, have been designed and synthesized via the reaction of ortho-aminophenol with benzaldehyde, 2,4-dichlorobenzaldehyde and para-dimethylamine benzaldehyde in 1:1 molar ratio with favourable yields of 89-92%, respectively. Their structural characterizations were studied by FT-IR, NMR, MALDI-MS and elemental analysis. The fluorescence behaviours of compounds 3a and 3b exhibited a severe aggregation caused quenching (ACQ) effect in EtOH/water system. On the contrary, compound 3c had an obvious J-aggregation induced emission (AIE) feature in EtOH/water mixture (v/v = 1:1), and exhibited excellent sensitivity and anti-interference towards Cu²⁺ with the limit of detection (LOD) of 1.35 × 10^-8 M. Job's plot analysis and MS spectroscopic study revealed the 2:1 complexation of probe 3c and Cu²⁺. In addition, probe 3c was successfully applied to the determination of Cu²⁺ in real aqueous samples.

Nanozymes: Versatile Platforms for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

Natural enzymes usually suffer from high production cost, ease of denaturation and inactivation, and low yield, making them difficult to be broadly applicable. As an emerging type of artificial enzyme, nanozymes that combine the characteristics of nanomaterials and enzymes are promising alternatives. On the one hand, nanozymes have high enzyme-like catalytic activities to regulate biochemical reactions. On the other hand, nanozymes also inherit the properties of nanomaterials, which can ameliorate the shortcomings of natural enzymes and serve as versatile platforms for diverse applications. In this review, various nanozymes that mimic the catalytic activity of different enzymes are introduced. The achievements of nanozymes in different cancer diagnosis and treatment technologies are summarized by highlighting the advantages of nanozymes in these applications. Finally, future research directions in this rapidly developing field are outlooked.

Regulating the bacterial oxygen microenvironment via a perfluorocarbon-conjugated bacteriochlorin for enhanced photodynamic antibacterial efficacy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted considerable attention, since it could effectively kill bacteria and prevent the development of multi-drug resistance. However, PDT currently suffers from oxygen limitation and hypoxia is a prominent feature of pathological states encountered in inflammation, wounds, and bacterial infections. Herein, an oxygen-tunable nanoplatform based on perfluorocarbon-conjugated tetrafluorophenyl bacteriochlorin (FBC-F) was designed for effective antimicrobial therapy. The introduction of fluorine atoms can not only increase the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production capacity of FBC-F by facilitating the intersystem crossing (ISC) process of FBC photosensitizers, but also make FBC-F deliver more oxygen into the treatment sites benefiting from the outstanding oxygen-dissolving capability of perfluorocarbon. As a consequence, the FBC-F nanoplatform was able to efficiently generate singlet oxygens for type II PDT, as well as superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals for type I PDT, and significantly improve antibacterial efficacy in vitro. In vivo experiments further proved that the FBC-F with a powerful antibacterial capability could well promote wound healing and destroy biofilm. Thus, this FBC-F nanoplatform may open a new path in photodynamic antibacterial therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Photodynamic therapy is a promising antibacterial treatment, but its efficacy is severely compromised by hypoxia. To overcome such a limitation, we constructed an oxygen-regulated nanoplatform (FBC-F) by attaching perfluorocarbons (PFC) to the NIR photosensitizer (FBC). As an analogue of bacteriochlorin, FBC could generate ¹O₂ through energy transfer , as well as O₂^-· and ·OH through electron transfer for synergistic type I and type II photodynamic antibacterial therapy. Benefiting from the oxygen-dissolving capability of PFC, FBC-F could efficiently deliver more oxygen into the treatment site and alleviate the hypoxic environment. As a consequence, FBC-F could effectively generate large amounts of reactive oxygen species to achieve improved antibacterial efficacy and provide a promising approach for eliminating biofilms.

Nanozybiotics: Nanozyme-Based Antibacterials against Bacterial Resistance

Infectious diseases caused by bacteria represent a global threat to human health. However, due to the abuse of antibiotics, drug-resistant bacteria have evolved rapidly and led to the failure of antibiotics treatment. Alternative antimicrobial strategies different to traditional antibiotics are urgently needed. Enzyme-based antibacterials (Enzybiotics) have gradually attracted interest owing to their advantages including high specificity, rapid mode-of-action, no resistance development, etc. However, due to their low stability, potential immunogenicity, and high cost of natural enzymes, enzybiotics have limitations in practical antibacterial therapy. In recent years, many nanomaterials with enzyme-like activities (Nanozymes) have been discovered as a new generation of artificial enzymes and perform catalytic antibacterial effects against bacterial resistance. To highlight the progress in this field of nanozyme-based antibacterials (Nanozybiotics), this review discussed the antibacterial mechanism of action of nanozybiotics with a comparison with enzybiotics. We propose that nanozybiotics may bear promising applications in antibacterial therapy, due to their high stability, rapid bacterial killing, biofilm elimination, and low cost.

Two-Dimensional Cobalt-Doped Ti3C2 MXene Nanozyme-Mediated Homogeneous Electrochemical Strategy for Pesticides Assay Based on In Situ Generation of Electroactive Substances

Common homogeneous electrochemical (HEC) sensors usually suffer from the drawbacks of high background signal, low signal-to-noise ratio, and even false positive results due to the preaddition of electroactive substances. Thus, it is necessary to develop novel HEC sensors based on in situ generation of electroactive substances to overcome these shortcomings, which, however, is underexplored. In this work, two-dimensional (2D) nanozymes, i.e., cobalt-doped 2D Ti₃C₂ MXene nanosheets (CMNSs), with excellent peroxidase-like properties were utilized to develop HEC sensors based on the in situ generation of electroactive substances for organophosphate pesticides (OPs) detection. The 2D CMNSs were synthesized via a template-directed wet chemical approach and displayed outstanding features of hydrophilia and water dispersibility, which could catalyze the oxidation of o-phenylenediamine (OPD) to generate significantly increased reduction current. Interestingly, the 2D CMNSs with peroxidase-like properties exhibited a unique response to thiol compounds and were thus employed as highly efficient catalysts to develop HEC sensors for OPs based on the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine (ATCh) to form thiocholine catalyzed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the inhibition of AChE activity by OPs. The recovery for OPs analysis of pakchoi extract solutions ranged from 97.4% to 103.3%. The as-proposed HEC sensor based on in situ generation of electroactive substances will provide a new way for the development of high-performance electrochemical sensors and demonstrate potential applicability for the determination of pesticide residues in real samples.