Cell Wall Binding Strategies Based on CuSbS Nanoparticles for Selective Bacterial Elimination and Promotion of Infected Wound Healing.

Utilizing nanomaterials as an alternative to antibiotics, with a focus on maintaining high biosafety, has emerged as a promising strategy to combat antibiotic resistance. Nevertheless, the challenge lies in the indiscriminate attack of nanomaterials on both bacterial and mammalian cells, which limits their practicality. Herein, CuSbS nanoparticles (NPs) capable of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) are discovered to selectively adsorb and eliminate bacteria without causing obvious harm to mammalian cells, thanks to the interaction between O of N-acetylmuramic acid in bacterial cell walls and Cu of the NPs. Coupled with the short diffusion distance of ROS in the surrounding medium, a selective antibacterial effect is achieved. Additionally, the antibacterial mechanism is then identified: CuSbS NPs catalyze the generation of O, which has subsequently been conversed by superoxide dismutase to HO. The latter is secondary catalyzed by the NPs to form •OH and O, initiating an in situ attack on bacteria. This process depletes bacterial glutathione in conjunction with the disruption of the antioxidant defense system of bacteria. Notably, CuSbS NPs are demonstrated to efficiently impede biofilm formation; thus, a healing of MRSA-infected wounds was promoted. The bacterial cell wall-binding nanoantibacterial agents can be widely expanded through diversified design.