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Developing antibiotics-independent antibacterial agents is of great importance since antibiotic therapy faces great challenges from drug resistance. Graphene oxide (GO) is a promising agent due to its natural antibacterial mechanisms, such as sharp edge-mediated cutting effect. However, the antibacterial activity of GO is limited by its negative charge and low photothermal effect. Herein, the amino-functionalized GO nanosheets (AGO) with unique three-in-one properties were synthesized. Three essential properties (positive charge, strong photothermal effect, and natural cutting effect) were integrated into AGO. The positive charge (30 mV) rendered AGO a strong interaction force with model pathogen Streptococcus mutans (330 nN). The natural cutting effect of 100 µg·mL−1 AGO caused 27% loss of bacterial viability after incubation for 30 min. Most importantly, upon the near-infrared irradiation for just 5 min, the three-in-one properties of AGO caused 98% viability loss. In conclusion, the short irradiation period and the tunable antibacterial activity confer the three-in-one AGO a great potential for clinical use.

The emergent need for new treatment methods for multi-drug resistant pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has focused attention on novel potential tools like nanopar...

The interaction of nanoparticles (NPs) with proteins and the formation of protein corona in the biological fluids are of great interest and significance for drug delivery. In the past decade, the corona formation in the blood and its impacts on the in vitro and in vivo fate of NPs has been well investigated and reviewed. Recently, more and more attention is paid to the nano-protein interactions taking place in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) between the orally administered NPs and the digestive enzymes. The enzyme corona formed in the GIT can significantly affect the properties, gastrointestinal transit, and oral absorption of NPs. Since oral delivery is the most preferred delivery route, comprehensively understanding the corona formation in the GIT and its impacts on oral delivery NPs are of great importance. Herein, we aim to summarize the recent updates on the nano-protein interactions between NPs and digestive enzymes, and launch an interesting discussion on the potentials of using the digestive enzyme corona for the colon targeted delivery.

Aim: Recently, nano–bio interactions and their biomedical impacts have drawn much attention, but nano–bacteria interaction and its function are unknown. Herein, we aim to synthesize drug-free and cationic nanoparticles (CNPs) and investigate CNP–bacteria interaction and its antibiofilm effect. Materials & methods: The bioactivity of CNPs against Streptococcus mutans was examined by colony-forming units counting and scanning electron microscopy. CNP–bacteria interaction force was measured by atomic force microscopy. Results: CNPs (217.7 nm, 14.7 mv) showed a concentration-dependent activity against bacteria. Particularly, CNPs at 200 μg/ml completely inhibited planktonic bacterial growth and biofilm formation, and disrupted ∼70% mature biofilm. CNP–bacteria interaction force was up to 184 nN. Conclusion: CNPs have great potentials for convenient local use for prevention and treatment of bacteria-related oral diseases.

Aim: A comprehensive understanding of nanoparticle (NP)-protein interaction (protein corona formation) is required. So far, many factors influencing this interaction have been investigated, like size and ζ potential. However, NPs exposure concentration has always been ignored. Herein, we aim to disclose the correlation of NPs exposure concentration with protein adsorption. Materials & methods: Four polymeric NPs systems possessing similar sizes (230 ± 20 nm) but varied ζ potentials (−30 ∼ +40 mv) were prepared. Physicochemical properties and protein adsorption upon NP–protein interaction were characterized. Results: Protein adsorption capacity and adsorbed protein types were NPs concentration-dependent. Conclusion: Considering the critical impacts of protein adsorption on NPs delivery, our work could be an urgent warning about the possible risks of dosage adjustment of nanoformulations.