Multiple enzyme-mimic polypeptide based carbon nanoparticles by ROP and Fe coordination for ROS regulation and photo-thermal therapy against bacterial infection

Novel strategy is urgently needed to overcome the bacterial infection all over the world due to unreasonable use of biotics. In recent years, nanozymes have attracted great interests of researchers for their high catalytic efficiency and biocompatibility. In this study, a novel multiple enzyme-mimic polypeptide-based carbon nanoparticle was synthesized by N-carboxyanhydride mediated ring opening polymerization (ROP) and Fe coordination for actualizing ROS regulation and photo-thermal therapy. The multiple enzyme-mimic activities of the nanozyme, such as peroxidase, oxidase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, were detailly explored in ROS regulation for potential utilization in bacterial inhibition. The photo-thermal effect of the nanozyme was investigated under 808 nm NIR irradiation. Enhanced inhibition rate of the as prepared nanozyme was observed against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (99.03 %) and Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus (99.78 %) planktonic bacteria. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was chosen as the drug resistant bacteria model to evaluate the efficiency in bacterial biofilm disruption. Improved healing efficacy of 99.05 % against MRSA wound infection and excellent biosafety were observed in mice model experiments for the as prepared nanozyme. In conclusion, the as synthesized nanozyme with ROS regulation, enhanced bacteria inhibition, and excellent biocompatibility could be potentially applied in clinic against bacterial infection.