Ce-doped CuAl-layered double hydroxides as glucose-triggered cascade catalyst for enhanced antibacterial therapy

Peroxidase (POD) mimicking layered double hydroxides (LDH) has significant potential for various biomedical applications. However, their effectiveness is often constrained by the need for an acidic pH and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Herein, we have developed CuAl-LDH and cerium (Ce)-doped CuAl-LDH (CuAlCe-LDH) to overcome these limitations. By physical absorption between glucose oxidase (GOx) onto CuAlCe-LDH nanosheets , we obtained CuAlCe-LDH@GOx nanozyme end-products. Different high-throughput instrumentation studies were adopted to confirm the formation and physiochemical features of CuAlCe-LDH@GOx. This innovative system leverages glucose to generate gluconic acid and H₂O₂ in situ , thereby locally acidifying the environment and activating POD-like activity without adverse effects . The H₂O₂ produced is further decomposed by CuAlCe-LDH, forming hydroxyl radicals (·OH) with strong antibacterial properties. Further, the as-obtained CuAlCe-LDH@GOx activates the catalytic cascade and demonstrates robust antibacterial efficacy both in vitro and in vivo , with minimal biological toxicity. Therefore, our approach provides alternative, safe, and effective nanozymes with strong POD-mimicking potential for therapeutic applications. • Glucose-triggered nanozymes for enhanced antimicrobial therapy was developed. • CG nanozymes exhibited GPx- and POD-like activities, metabolizing glucose efficiently. • CG nanozymes produced H2O2 and ·OH radicals, depleting GSH and killing bacteria. • CG nanozymes effectively eradicated both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in vitro. • In vivo tests showed CG formulations accelerated wound healing by eradicating bacteria.