MoS2 QDs-decorated mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticle as a GSH responsive peroxidase-like nanozyme for effective antibacterial therapy

Bacterial infection seriously affects human health, and peroxidase-like (POD-like) nanozymes open up promising avenues for innovative antibacterial strategies beyond traditional antibiotics. In this study, we developed a molybdenum disulfide quantum dot-decorated mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticle (MPM) with highly efficient POD-like catalytic activity, H 2 O 2 production and GSH responsive properties. Molybdenum disulfide quantum dots act as POD-like nanozymes, while mesoporous polydopamine act as a H 2 O 2 generator, GSH consumption agent and nanocarrier. Specifically, MPM could promote the decomposition of overexpressed hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) within the bacterial infection microenvironment into hydroxyl radicals (·OH) without the need for external activation, thereby disrupting bacterial structure and function, leading to bacterial death. Additionally, MPM generates H 2 O 2 and consumes GSH, ensuring the persistence and efficacy of ROS-based antibacterial activity. In vitro antibacterial experiments showed that E. coli and S. aureus was inhibited by MPM at rate of 96.3% and 100%, respectively. The antibiofilm experiment further demonstrated that MPM maintained high POD activity and can effectively destroy and inhibit the formation of bacterial biofilm, offering a new strategy for developing antibiotic-free antibacterial methods. In vivo experiments showed that MPM could effectively eliminate bacteria in wound tissues of mice and had a good therapeutic effect on infected wounds. Moreover, MPM exhibits good biosafety, indicating that it has ideal application potential as a highly effective and safe antibacterial agent.