In vivo activation of pH-responsive oxidase-like graphitic nanozymes for selective killing of Helicobacter pylori

Nat Commun. 2021 Mar 31;12(1):2002. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-22286-x.

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection is a major etiological factor in gastric diseases. However, clinical antibiotic therapy for H. pylori is limited by continuously decreased therapeutic efficacy and side effects to symbiotic bacteria. Herein, we develop an in vivo activatable pH-responsive graphitic nanozyme, PtCo@Graphene (PtCo@G), for selective treatment of H. pylori. Such nanozymes can resist gastric acid corrosion, exhibit oxidase-like activity to stably generate reactive oxygen species only in acidic gastric milieu and demonstrate superior selective bactericidal property. C18-PEGn-Benzeneboronic acid molecules are modified on PtCo@G, improving its targeting capability. Under acidic gastric pH, graphitic nanozymes show notable bactericidal activity toward H. pylori, while no bacterial killing is observed under intestinal conditions. In mouse model, high antibacterial capability toward H. pylori and negligible side effects toward normal tissues and symbiotic bacteria are achieved. Graphitic nanozyme displays the desired enzyme-like activities at corresponding physiological sites and may address critical issues in clinical treatment of H. pylori infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / metabolism
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Gastric Acid / metabolism
  • Gastric Mucosa / enzymology*
  • Gastric Mucosa / metabolism
  • Gastric Mucosa / microbiology
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Helicobacter Infections / enzymology*
  • Helicobacter Infections / microbiology
  • Helicobacter Infections / therapy
  • Helicobacter pylori / drug effects
  • Helicobacter pylori / metabolism*
  • Helicobacter pylori / physiology
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Mice
  • Oxidoreductases / chemistry
  • Oxidoreductases / metabolism*
  • Oxidoreductases / therapeutic use
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Graphite
  • Oxidoreductases