AgNPs/nGOx/Apra nanocomposites for synergistic antimicrobial therapy and scarless skin recovery

J Mater Chem B. 2022 Mar 2;10(9):1393-1402. doi: 10.1039/d1tb01991k.

Abstract

The misuse of antimicrobials has caused a remarkable increase of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Developing novel antimicrobial agents with high activity and low rates of resistance development is in great demand yet challenging. In this context, we developed a novel cascaded AgNPs/nGOx/Apra nanocomposite for combinational antimicrobial therapy. Glucose oxidase nanocapsules (nGOx) in the nanocomposites can convert tissue glucose into H2O2, which in turn accelerates the erosion of AgNPs into Ag+, giving rise to a synergistic antibiotic/starving-like/metal ion therapeutic effect. An in vitro antimicrobial study of the nanocomposites demonstrated rapid bacterial killing, significant bacterial growth inhibition and broad antimicrobial spectra at a low antibiotic dose. More importantly, topical and microneedle-assisted deliveries of the nanocomposites resulted in rapid scarless skin recovery in both rabbit and mouse models. This nanocomposite platform opens up a new avenue for research and clinical applications to battle against microbial infections and reduce antibiotic-resistant rates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Infective Agents* / pharmacology
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Metal Nanoparticles*
  • Mice
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Nanocomposites*
  • Rabbits
  • Silver / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Silver
  • Hydrogen Peroxide