H2S-removing UiO-66 MOFs for sensitized antibacterial therapy

J Mater Chem B. 2023 Jun 28;11(25):5817-5829. doi: 10.1039/d3tb00552f.

Abstract

Antibiotic tolerance is implicated in difficult-to-treat infections and the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. The high storage capacities and excellent biocompatibilities of UiO-66-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have made them emerging candidates as drug-delivery vectors. In view of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) having been associated with the development of intrinsic resistance to antibacterial agents, we designed a strategy to potentiate existing antibiotics by eliminating bacterial endogenous H2S. We efficiently fabricated an antibiotic enhancer Gm@UiO-66-MA to remove bacterial H2S and sensitize an antibacterial by modifying UiO-66-NH2 with maleic anhydride (MA) and then loading it with gentamicin (Gm). UiO-66-MA achieved the removal of bacterial endogenous H2S and the destruction of bacterial biofilm by selectively undergoing Michael addition with H2S. Moreover, Gm@UiO-66-MA further enhanced the susceptibility of tolerant E. coli to Gm after reducing bacterial intracellular H2S levels. An in vivo skin wound healing experiment confirmed that Gm@UiO-66-MA could greatly reduce the risk of bacterial reinfection and accelerate wound healing. Overall, Gm@UiO-66-MA offers a promising antibiotic sensitizer for minimizing bacterial resistance and a therapeutic strategy for tolerant bacteria-related refractory infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Escherichia coli
  • Metal-Organic Frameworks* / pharmacology
  • Organometallic Compounds*

Substances

  • UiO-66
  • Metal-Organic Frameworks
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents