Multivalency at Interfaces: Supramolecular Carbohydrate-Functionalized Graphene Derivatives for Bacterial Capture, Release, and Disinfection

Abstract

A supramolecular carbohydrate-functionalized two-dimensional (2D) surface was designed and synthesized by decorating thermally reduced graphene sheets with multivalent sugar ligands. The formation of host-guest inclusions on the carbon surface provides a versatile strategy, not only to increase the intrinsic water solubility of graphene-based materials, but more importantly to let the desired biofunctional binding groups bind to the surface. Combining the vital recognition role of carbohydrates and the unique 2D large flexible surface area of the graphene sheets, the addition of multivalent sugar ligands makes the resulting carbon material an excellent platform for selectively wrapping and agglutinating Escherichia coli (E. coli). By taking advantage of the responsive property of supramolecular interactions, the captured bacteria can then be partially released by adding a competitive guest. Compared to previously reported scaffolds, the unique thermal IR-absorption properties of graphene derivatives provide a facile method to kill the captured bacteria by IR-laser irradiation of the captured graphene-sugar-E. coli complex.

Glycosylated Copper Sulfide Nanocrystals for Targeted Photokilling of Bacteria in the Near‐Infrared II Window

“…[11] One of the inherent problems with phototherapy is the nonspecific cell interactions, as the functioning of heat and ROS does not make a distinction between normal and bacterial cells. [27][28][29] Numerous strains of bacteria express carbohydrate-binding proteins, termed lectins, on their surfaces to mediate critical physiological and pathological activities, for example, adhesion to host cells, biofilm formation, and infection. [23] Current targeting strategies involve the use of antibodies, [24] aptamers, [25] or small molecules such as vancomycin.…”

“…[27][28][29] Numerous strains of bacteria express carbohydrate-binding proteins, termed lectins, on their surfaces to mediate critical physiological and pathological activities, for example, adhesion to host cells, biofilm formation, and infection. [27][28][29] Here, we use galactosylated Cu 2−x S NCs to target the galactose-specific lectin LecA on the surface of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and eradicate the bacteria via simultaneous PTT and PDT in the NIR II window. Schematic illustration of the surface modification process for the Cu 2−x S NCs and the molecular structure of the tri-thiogalactoside cluster Gal 3 -COOH.…”

Glycoconjugates and Glycomimetics as Microbial Anti-Adhesives

“…While this paper was under review, an E. coli capture device built on graphene sheets was reported [80]. The device self-assembles treating adamantyl-functionalized graphene with heptamannosylated β-cyclodextrin (ManCD) and it captures E. coli wrapping it up in the graphene sheet in a reversible fashion.…”

Advances in the Development of Supramolecular Polymeric Biomaterials

“…Subsequent IR-laser irradiation results in killing of the bacteria and yields these types of materials feasible for disinfection applications. 29 Tran et al reported on the development of a one-step recyclable method to synthesize a supramolecular polysaccharide composite material comprising cellulose, chitosan, and crown ether (B15C5). The composite material demonstrated supramolecular properties, mechanical properties in the range of cellulose mechanical properties and adsorption capability of heavy metal ions and organic pollutants.…”