Antibacterial gold nanoclusters combined with meropenem for the treatment of sepsis by alleviating the cytokine storm

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by systemic organ dysfunction caused by a cytokine storm mediated by inflammatory mediators. Antibacterial gold nanoclusters (AuDAMP) were synthesized <i>via</i> a one-pot method. The therapeutic efficacy of AuDAMP was systematically evaluated in two sepsis mouse models: the cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) model and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis-associated acute lung injury model. Remarkably, AuDAMP demonstrated potent anti-septic effects through antimicrobial activity and attenuation of the cytokine storm. Furthermore, AuDAMP exhibited synergistic therapeutic effects when combined with meropenem, suggesting great potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for sepsis management.