Magnetron traps therapeutics for localized bacterial capture and overcome ulcer infection

Abstract

In addition to the pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease 2019, many pathogenic bacteria have also been posing a devastating threat to human health. The overuse of antibiotics leads to the emergence of ‘superbugs’; therefore, it is urgent to develop effective strategies to fight bacteria. Herein, a superparamagnetic nickel (Ni) colloidal nanocrystal clusters (SNCNCs) that can kill and capture bacteria without any camouflage is reported. It binds to amino groups on the surface of bacteria, imparts magnetism to them, and orients them in response to magnetic fields. SNCNCs kill and capture bacteria to avoid inflammation, infection, and organ damage caused by lipopolysaccharide and exotoxin released by bacterial rupture in the remaining bacterial remains in comparison with other antibacterial agents. In this study, in the treatment of traumatic oral ulcers, we found that SNCNCs could kill and capture and remove bacteria from the ulcers to reduce inflammation at the site of the wound. Furthermore, the fibrin gel sprayed on the ulcer was used as a substrate, and the bacteria captured by the SNCNCs moved to the surface of the fibrin gel after a magnetic field was applied. Therefore, the bacteria in the ulcer could be removed with the SNCNCs and fibrin gel magnet, alleviating inflammation caused by bacteria and promoting ulcer healing. This magnetically controlled method of directional movement of bacteria may provide an applicative perspective for the therapy of bacterial infections.