Metal Phenolic Networks-Encapsulated Ionic Liquid Microspheres Bust Bacterial Barriers

Since biofilms and host cells are crucial protective barriers for bacterial infections, busting their protection represents a challenge in clinical treatment. Choline and geranate (CAGE) shows antibacterial effects due to its amphipathic microsphere structure. However, its instability in water restricts antibacterial application. Metal-phenolic networks (MPN) assemble at CAGE-water interface to stabilize microsphere structure. Accordingly, MPN-encapsulated CAGE microcapsules (CAGE@MPN) can combat planktonic bacteria, biofilm and intracellular bacteria. 1. CAGE@MPN microcapsules were constructed by one-step assembly, and the core-shell structure and stability were characterized. 2. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were selected as model bacteria to study antibacterial behavior and mechanisms of CAGE@MPN against planktonic bacteria, biofilms and intracellular bacteria in vitro. 3. Mice subcutaneous abscess model and skin defect infection model were established to examine the anti-infections. 1. Core-shell structure and stability of CAGE@MPN microcapsules were characterized. 2. CAGE@MPN exhibited antibacterial ability against planktonic bacteria, biofilms and intracellular bacteria in vitro. 3. CAGE@MPN effectively eradicated biofilms in mice subcutaneous abscess model and skin defect infection model. CAGE@MPN microcapsules, constructed by self-assembly of MPN at CAGE-water interface, disrupted phospholipid bilayer of bacterial membrane, causing bacteria lysis. CAGE@MPN penetrated biofilm depth, destroying EPS structure, and entered infected macrophages to kill intracellular bacteria. Treating subcutaneous abscesses and skin defect infections with CAGE@MPN demonstrated in vivo anti-biofilm therapeutic potential, providing a non-antibiotic approach for treating bacterial infectious diseases.