Self‐Assembly of Antimicrobial Peptides on Gold Nanodots: Against Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria and Wound‐Healing Application

Abstract

Photoluminescent gold nanodots (Au NDs) are prepared via etching and codeposition of hybridized ligands, an antimicrobial peptide (surfactin; SFT), and 1‐dodecanethiol (DT), on gold nanoparticles (≈3.2 nm). As‐prepared ultrasmall SFT/DT–Au NDs (size ≈2.5 nm) are a highly efficient antimicrobial agent. The photoluminescence properties and stability as well as the antimicrobial activity of SFT/DT–Au NDs are highly dependent on the density of SFT on Au NDs. Relative to SFT, SFT/DT–Au NDs exhibit greater antimicrobial activity, not only to nonmultidrug‐resistant bacteria but also to the multidrug‐resistant bacteria. The minimal inhibitory concentration values of SFT/DT–Au NDs are much lower (>80‐fold) than that of SFT. The antimicrobial activity of SFT/DT–Au NDs is mainly due to the synergistic effect of SFT and DT–Au NDs on the disruption of the bacterial membrane. In vitro cytotoxicity and hemolysis analyses have revealed superior biocompatibility of SFT/DT–Au NDs than that of SFT. Moreover, in vivo methicillin‐resistant S. aureus–infected wound healing studies in rats show faster healing, better epithelialization, and are more efficient in the production of collagen fibers when SFT/DT–Au NDs are used as a dressing material. This study suggests that the SFT/DT–Au NDs are a promising antimicrobial candidate for preclinical applications in treating wounds and skin infections.

A Cooperative Copper Metal–Organic Framework‐Hydrogel System Improves Wound Healing in Diabetes

“…In this regard, several approaches have been reported in the literature, including suction devices and the application of metal ions and small organic compounds. [1a, 5] Copper is an essential element with a long history of use in humans. It is involved in many wound-healing-related processes, [6] including induction of vascular endothelial growth factor, [5a] angiogenesis, [7] and the expression and stabilization of extracellular skin proteins, such as keratin and collagen.…”

“…[1a, 5] Copper is an essential element with a long history of use in humans. It is involved in many wound-healing-related processes, [6] including induction of vascular endothelial growth factor, [5a] angiogenesis, [7] and the expression and stabilization of extracellular skin proteins, such as keratin and collagen. [8] Copper is also a well-known antimicrobial agent, which may contribute to improved healing by reducing the probability of infections in the wound.…”

Nanotechnology-Driven Therapeutic Interventions in Wound Healing: Potential Uses and Applications

“…92 In this system, the cyclic lipopeptide surfactin (SFT) self-assembled on gold nanodots by hydrophobically interacting with 1-dodecanethiol (DT) molecules that cap gold nanodots. The nanoparticles exhibited much higher antibacterial potency against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria than free SFT.…”

Photoluminescent Gold Nanomaterials as Sensitive Probes

“…To provide specifiity toward tumors, strategies for improved stability and affinity through functionaliztion of Au NDs and NCs with biopolymers, synthetic poymers, small ligands are still highly demanded. It is also interesting to prepare theranostic nanomaterials (therapeutic drugs and diagnostic agents into one single platform) using other reporters and drugs to conjugate AuNCs/NDs [23]. With advances in nanotechnology, it is our belief that more stable and brighter Au NCs/NDs will soon be realized.…”