Lipopolysaccharide targeting-peptide-capped chitosan gold nanoparticles for laser-induced antibacterial activity

<b>Aim:</b> We present the synthesis of anti-bacterial gold nanoparticles using chitosan as a dual-functional agent. The resulting ChAuNPs were further modified with a lipopolysaccharide-targeting antibacterial peptide to aid in biocompatibility and specificity.<b>Materials & methods:</b> The nanoparticles' antibacterial activity against <i>Escherichia coli</i> was tested in the presence of a 450 nm laser.<b>Results:</b> Our data suggested that the peptide and laser emissions had a synergistic impact on the gold nanoparticles, resulting in strong antibacterial effects. The study shows that advanced nanomaterials, including chitosan, gold nanoparticles and lipopolysaccharide targeting peptides, can boost antibacterial functions at a low concentration of 250 μg/ml.<b>Conclusion:</b> The findings highlight ChAuNPs' potential as strong antibacterial agents, with targeted alterations critical for maximizing their utilization.