Facile and straightforward fabrication of antimicrobial Cu-Ce oxide nanoagent for repair of acutely infected wounds

Abstract

The infection of multidrug-resistant bacteria makes chronic wounds difficult to heal, so there is a great need for new treatment strategies that can eradicate bacteria and promote wound healing. The antibacterial strategy based on reactive oxygen species (ROS) has opened new avenues to overcome the enormous challenges of antibiotic research, such as the lack of broad-spectrum antibiotics and the emergence of super resistant bacteria. In this study, we have successfully prepared a Cu-Ce co-doped nanometal oxide antimicrobial nanoagent using a straightforward and efficient hydrothermal strategy. It facilitates the healing of wounds induced by bacterial infections. The antibacterial mechanism of Cu-Ce nanoparticles involves their firm attachment to the bacterial cell wall, leading to its rupture and the subsequent production of ROS. Furthermore, treatment with Cu-Ce nanoagent reduces bacterial counts in mouse skin, stimulates collagen deposition, and expedites the recovery of bacterially infected wounds. Our study presents a straightforward and effective approach for addressing wound infections and promoting healing.