Recently, the research group led by Professor David Deng from the School of Engineering published a groundbreaking paper titled “Hybrid Spike-Facilitated Capture and Biofilm Destruction Co-Enhances Ultrasound-Mediated Bactericidal Therapy” in the top-tier journal ACS Nano. Zhao Xiaomin and Cao Yuqi, doctoral candidates from the School of Engineering, are the co-first authors of the paper. Professor Deng Dawei serves as the corresponding author, with China Pharmaceutical University listed as the sole corresponding institution.
Bacterial pneumonia poses a significant health challenge, and antibiotic resistance has become a critical bottleneck constraining existing therapies. Inspired by gecko skin architecture and burdock spines, this study designed and synthesized manganese-zinc oxide spiky spheres (MZT) coated with natural plant compounds. This biomimetic material exhibits dual antibacterial mechanisms: First, its unique spine-like physical microstructure efficiently captures bacteria through polyphenol-mediated membrane interactions and achieves physical antibacterial effects via puncturing. Second, the material's piezoelectric catalytic properties generate pathogen-selective reactive oxygen species upon ultrasonic activation, enabling precise sterilization. In a mouse model infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae, precise pulmonary delivery via a nebulization system demonstrated promising therapeutic effects. Cell viability and histopathological assessments simultaneously confirmed the material's excellent biocompatibility.
Figure 1. Schematic illustration of the antibacterial mechanism of MZT
Concurrently, the research team collaborated with the Polymer Science Department at Sichuan University to publish a study titled “Phage-Inspired Nanomotor Synergized with Sono-Sensitive Antibiotics for Treating Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Lung Infection” in Advanced Functional Materials (AFM). Zhang Naiyue, a master's student from the School of Engineering at our university, served as the first author. Deng Dawei and Wang Ting were the co-corresponding authors, with China Pharmaceutical University listed as the first corresponding institution.
Inspired by phage invasion mechanisms, this study developed a bionic nanomotor integrated with sonosensitive antibiotics to treat multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced lung infections. The nanomotor features an asymmetric heterogeneous structure—specifically, hollow mesoporous Prussian blue-lomefloxacin/mesoporous CuxO (HP-L/MCu) Janus nanoparticles. It synergistically combines mechanical energy and chemical action to target and disrupt bacterial biofilms. The innovative design of the nanomotor leverages two cascading effects: First, CuxO nanospheres autonomously generate propulsive force by reacting with H₂O₂ in the microenvironment, enabling kinetic penetration and physical disruption of biofilms; Second, the hollow mesoporous Prussian blue structure enables antibiotic loading and release. Ultrasound activates the antibiotics to generate bactericidal singlet oxygen (1O₂), causing irreparable damage to bacterial DNA and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Research indicates that this bionic combined treatment strategy, integrating physical properties with chemical action, can mitigate biofilm-related antibiotic resistance.
Figure 2. Schematic diagram of the antibacterial mechanism achieved by nanomotors
Finally, these two studies offer novel insights for treating bacterial pneumonia—by integrating physical and biochemical biomimicry, they establish a targeted therapeutic approach with low resistance risk that preserves microbial balance, bringing fresh hope in tackling antibiotic resistance challenges. This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Key R&D Program, the Double First-Class Initiative of China Pharmaceutical University, and the Jiangsu Natural Science Foundation.
Links:
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.5c09843
https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202512156
