Antimicrobial and Antiviral Nanofibers Halt Co‐Infection Spread via Nuclease‐Mimicry and Photocatalysis

Abstract

Abstract The escalating spread of drug‐resistant bacteria and viruses is a grave concern for global health. Nucleic acids dominate the drug‐resistance and transmission of pathogenic microbes. Here, imidazolium‐type poly(ionic liquid)/porphyrin (PIL‐P) based electrospun nanofibrous membrane and its cerium (IV) ion complex (PIL‐P‐Ce) are developed. The obtained PIL‐P‐Ce membrane exhibits high and stable efficiency in eradicating various microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses) and decomposing microbial antibiotic resistance genes and viral nucleic acids under light. The nuclease‐mimetic and photocatalytic mechanisms of the PIL‐P‐Ce are elucidated. Co‐infection wound models in mice with methicillin‐resistant S. aureus and hepatitis B virus demonstrate that PIL‐P‐Ce integrate the triple effects of cationic polymer, photocatalysis, and nuclease‐mimetic activities. As revealed by proteomic analysis, PIL‐P‐Ce shows minimal phototoxicity to normal tissues. Hence, PIL‐P‐Ce has potential as a “green” wound dressing to curb the spread of drug‐resistant bacteria and viruses in clinical settings.

Keywords

• antibiotic resistance genes
• antimicrobial and antiviral nanofibers
• artificial nuclease
• photodynamic therapy
• poly(ionic liquid)
• viral nucleic acids