Issue 43, 2024

Modulating the photodynamic modality of Au22 nanoclusters through surface conjugation of arginine for promoted healing of bacteria-infected wounds

Abstract

Developing novel antibacterial agents without drug resistance is highly desired but challenging. In this study, an Au nanocluster (NC)-based photodynamic antibacterial agent with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) has been designed to promote the healing of bacteria-infected wounds by conjugating arginine (Arg) on the surface of Au22 NCs. The conjugation of Arg not only endows the NCs with enhanced visible light absorption, increased photoluminescence (PL) intensity, and prolonged PL lifetime, but it also enables switching the photodynamic production mode of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and extra production of reactive nitrogen species (RNS). These enhancements allow the Arg-Au22 NCs to combine ROS/RNS-mediated antibacterial action with the enhanced inherent antibacterial properties of Au NCs, resulting in outstanding antibacterial efficacy against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In vivo experiments demonstrate the effective treatment of bacteria-infected wounds by the Arg-Au22 NCs, leading to the photodynamic eradication of bacterial infections and reduced inflammation in the wound area without causing systemic harm or impairing blood and liver functions. This study introduces a novel approach to designing metal NC-based photodynamic antibacterials with multiple antibacterial actions, contributing to deeper understanding of ROS/RNS-mediated antibacterial mechanisms, and future utilization of metal NCs in antibacterial therapies.

Graphical abstract: Modulating the photodynamic modality of Au22 nanoclusters through surface conjugation of arginine for promoted healing of bacteria-infected wounds

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
09 Aug 2024
Accepted
26 Sep 2024
First published
11 Oct 2024

Nanoscale, 2024,16, 20089-20099

Modulating the photodynamic modality of Au22 nanoclusters through surface conjugation of arginine for promoted healing of bacteria-infected wounds

X. Dou, S. Saalah, C. Chiam, J. Xie and C. S. Sipaut, Nanoscale, 2024, 16, 20089 DOI: 10.1039/D4NR03278K

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