Two-Dimensional Magnesium Phosphate Nanosheets Promote Antibacterial Effects and Wound Closure

Salma Younes,1,2 Salma MS Ahmad,1 Pannawich Thirabowonkitphithan,3,4 Shaden H Abunasser,1 Nouran Zein,1 Amir Elhadad,5 Asada Leelahavanichkul,6– 8 Wanida Laiwattanapaisal,9,10 Awni Al-Otoom,11 Khaled A Mahmoud,12 Faleh Tamimi,5 Gheyath K Nasrallah1,2 1Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; 2Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar; 3Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, 20506, Sweden; 4Biofilms - Research Center for Biointerfaces, Malmö University, Malmö, 20506, Sweden; 5College of Dental Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar; 6Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit (TRIRU), Department of Microbiology, Chulalongkorn University, Chulalongkorn, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; 7Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Chulalongkorn, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; 8Immunology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Chulalongkorn University, Chulalongkorn, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; 9Centre of Excellence for Biosensors and Bioengineering (CEBB), Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Chulalongkor, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; 10Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Patumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; 11Chemical Engineering Department, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan; 12Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, 2713, QatarCorrespondence: Faleh Tamimi, College of Dental Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar, Email [email protected] Gheyath K Nasrallah, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar, Email [email protected]: NeoPhylaxis is a patented two-dimensional (2D) magnesium phosphate (MgP) hydrogel, initially approved in 2023 for dental applications such as implant decontamination, it has demonstrated strong safety and efficacy. This study explores its repurposing for antimicrobial and wound healing applications.Aim: To synthesize, characterize, and investigate the antibacterial properties, biocompatibility, and wound-healing potential of MgP hydrogel.Methods: The MgP hydrogel was synthesized via controlled crystallization of a sodium magnesium-phosphate system. Its structural and compositional properties were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated in vitro, while biocompatibility and wound healing efficacy were assessed in vivo using BALB/c mouse model. Mechanistic insights into the hydrogel’s antibacterial properties were further investigated via SEM and TEM.Results: MgP hydrogels exhibited a dose-dependent antibacterial effect, reducing S. aureus by at least 10-fold and E. coli by over 20-fold compared to controls. SEM and TEM analyses revealed extensive bacterial cell damage, including membrane deformation and compromised cell wall integrity. Treated mice displayed no signs of irritation, erythema, or edema post hydrogel treatment. Wound closure was significantly enhanced in MgP-treated mice, reaching 46% by Day 5 vs 37% in controls (p =0.008).Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of 2D MgP nanosheets as a multifunctional therapeutic agent for antimicrobial and wound healing applications. Keywords: two-dimensional (2D), nanomaterials, inorganic hydrogel, wound dressings, antibacterial, biocompatibility