Nanodot-doped peptide hydrogels for antibacterial phototherapy and wound healing

Biomater Sci. 2022 Feb 1;10(3):654-664. doi: 10.1039/d1bm01533h.

Abstract

Bacterial infection of wounds delays the healing process, increases the risk of chronic trauma associated with pain and complications, and offers a breeding ground for drug-resistant bacteria. A rapid and effective eradication of the bacterial species in the wound area is thus important. Herein, we designed a phototherapeutic antibacterial platform based on peptides and copper sulfide nanodots (CuS NDs) for multi-mechanistic eradication of bacteria colonized on the wound surface. The antimicrobial peptide weaves into a network in the form of a hydrogel, which supports CuS NDs to generate heat and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) under the irradiation of near-infrared light (NIR). The heat and ROS generated in situ act as non-contact-based antibacterial factors and together with contact-based antimicrobial peptides cause irreversible membrane destruction, cell content damage, and thermal ablation of the bacteria. Lastly, nanodot-doped peptide hydrogels combined with collagen showed complete bacterial elimination and significantly accelerated wound healing in a splint-fixed mouse infection model.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Hydrogels*
  • Mice
  • Peptides
  • Phototherapy*
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Hydrogels
  • Peptides