Ultrasmall copper nanoclusters as an efficient antibacterial agent for primary peritonitis therapy

Abstract

The urgent need to develop biocompatible, non-resistant antibacterial agents to effectively combat Gram-negative bacterial infections, particularly for the treatment of peritonitis, presents a significant challenge. In this study, we introduce our water-soluble Cu₃₀ nanoclusters (NCs) as a potent and versatile antibacterial agent tailored for addressing peritonitis. The as-synthesized atomically precise Cu₃₀ NCs demonstrate exceptional broad-spectrum antibacterial performance, and especially outstanding bactericidal activity of 100% against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli). Our in vivo experimental findings indicate that the Cu₃₀ NCs exhibit remarkable therapeutic efficacy against primary peritonitis caused by E. coli infection. Specifically, the treatment leads to a profound reduction of drug-resistant bacteria in the peritoneal cavity of mice with peritonitis by more than 5 orders of magnitude, along with the resolution of pathological features in the peritoneum and spleen. Additionally, comprehensive in vivo biosafety assessment underscores the remarkable biocompatibility, low biotoxicity, as well as efficient hepatic and renal clearance of Cu₃₀ NCs, emphasizing their potential for in vivo application. This investigation is poised to advance the development of novel Cu NC-based antibacterial agents for in vivo antibacterial treatment and the elimination of abdominal inflammation.