Nanoantibiotics: peroxidase-mimicking bimetallic Au–Pt nanorods for antibacterial and antibiofilm applications

Abstract

Conventional antibiotics, in spite of their wide application for centuries, are increasingly limited by the rapid evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms that neutralize their therapeutic efficacy. To address this critical challenge, we report the development of a nanoantibiotic based on bimetallic gold–platinum nanorods (Au–PtNRs). The core–shell structure is formed by Pt nanodendrites covering the surface of Au nanorods, and the material's properties are determined through UV-vis, HRTEM, and EDS analyses. The synergistic effect of the Au core and Pt shell enhances enzyme-like activity, alters the electronic structure, and increases the stability and surface area compared to single-component materials. The synthesized Au–PtNRs exhibit effective antibacterial activity against Gram-negative Salmonella and Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis. Notably, the material also possesses the ability to inhibit biofilm formation by bacteria. In this study, Au–PtNRs demonstrate high antibacterial potency, highlighting their potential as an alternative strategy to combat infectious bacteria. This work expands the application of functional nanomaterials in antimicrobial therapy and offers a promising approach for enabling human technological evolution to outpace bacterial adaptation.