Gold-Dispersed Copper Ferrite Magnetic Hydrogel: A Potent Antibacterial Nanozyme Platform

A gold-dispersed CuFe2O4/alginate magnetic hydrogel was developed as a nanozyme-based antibacterial platform. CuFe2O4 nanoparticles were hydrothermally synthesized and incorporated into an alginate hydrogel with in situ-generated Au nanoparticles. ICP-OES analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of Fe (7.16%), Cu (3.63%), and Au (0.38%), with an Fe–Cu ratio consistent with CuFe2O4. The hydrogel exhibited ferromagnetic behaviour (Ms = 12.35 emu g−1) and potent POD-like activity, generating ROS with high catalytic efficiency (Km = 0.01 mM; Vmax = 13.47 × 10−8 M s−1). The hydrogel also showed significant GSH-depleting ability and could be reused for up to six cycles. Antibacterial assays demonstrated enhanced killing of S. aureus and E. coli when combined with H2O2 at reduced concentrations. Cytocompatibility studies demonstrated favourable in vitro cytocompatibility, with cell viability remaining above 85%, and the hydrogel exhibited good swelling and mechanical properties. With its magnetic responsiveness, favourable in vitro cytocompatibility, and enhanced antibacterial activity, this nanozyme-integrated hydrogel represents a promising platform for further investigation in antibacterial wound-dressing applications.