Transformation of arginine into zero-dimensional nanomaterial endows the material with antibacterial and osteoinductive activity

Sci Adv. 2023 May 26;9(21):eadf8645. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adf8645. Epub 2023 May 26.

Abstract

Implant-associated infection is a major threat affecting the success of orthopedic surgeries. Although various materials scavenge bacteria by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), the intrinsic inability of ROS to distinguish bacteria from cells notably limits the therapeutic effects. Here, we found that the arginine carbon dots (Arg-CDs) that were transformed from arginine exhibited supreme antibacterial and osteoinductive activity. We further designed the Schiff base bond between Arg-CDs and aldehyde hyaluronic acid/gelatin methacryloyl (HG) hydrogel to release Arg-CDs in response to the acidic bone injury microenvironment. The free Arg-CDs could selectively kill bacteria by generating excessive ROS. Furthermore, the Arg-CD-loaded HG composite hydrogel showed excellent osteoinductive activity through inducing the M2 polarization of macrophages by up-regulating interleukin-10 (Il10) expression. Together, our findings revealed that transformation of the arginine into zero-dimensional Arg-CDs could endow the material with exceptional antibacterial and osteoinductive activity, favoring the regeneration of infectious bone.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Arginine* / pharmacology
  • Carbon / chemistry
  • Hydrogels / pharmacology
  • Hydrogels / therapeutic use
  • Nanostructures*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species

Substances

  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Arginine
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Hydrogels
  • Carbon