Hybrid of glucose oxidase and enzyme-like Cu&Ce: Efficient glucose scavenging and generation of hydroxyl, hydroperoxyl, and superoxide radicals for wound healing

Glucose oxidase (GOD) is a well-known flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-containing oxidase. GOD oxidizes glucose to D-glucono-δ-lactone with FAD being reduced to FADH2, and O₂ is reduced by FADH2 to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). To efficiently generate H₂O₂ and subsequently produce radicals through glucose consumption, we synthesized the hybrid material GOD@Cu&Ce by encapsulating GOD with Cu^II and Ce^IV ions in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). Owing to the synergistic cooperation between Cu^II and Ce^IV, hydroxyl (•OH), hydroperoxyl (HOO•), and superoxide (O₂ ^•-) radicals are efficiently generated via H₂O₂ decomposition by Cu&Ce. Concurrently, O₂ is produced, demonstrating that Cu&Ce exhibits catalase-like activity. The <i>in situ</i>-generated O₂ facilitates the oxidation of FADH2 back to FAD, thereby enhancing GOD activity. The efficient and sustained generation of •OH, HOO•, and O₂ ^•- radicals from glucose conversion arises from two mechanisms: (1) synergistic H₂O₂ decomposition by enzyme-mimicking Cu&Ce, and (2) <i>in situ</i> O₂ production that boosts GOD activity. Studies on the mechanisms reveal that Cu^II and Ce^IV cooperatively promote the generation of •OH, HOO•, O₂ ^•-, and O₂. GOD@Cu&Ce combines rapid glucose consumption with high radical yield. In wound healing assays, this hybrid material demonstrates potent antibacterial activity.