Application of tungsten disulfide quantum dot-conjugated antimicrobial peptides in bio-imaging and antimicrobial therapy.

Graphical abstract Highlights • We have demonstrated the conjugation of WS 2 QD to the de novo designed AMPs. • The conjugated peptide is two times more potent than its free counterpart. • We have determined the three-dimensional solution structure of WS 2 conjugated AMPs. • Interplay between peptide and QD is translated to functional performances of AMPs. Abstract Two-dimensional (2D) tungsten disulfide (WS 2) quantum dots offer numerous promising applications in materials and optoelectronic sciences. Additionally, the catalytic and photoluminescence properties of ultra-small WS 2 nanoparticles are of potential interest in biomedical sciences. Addressing the use of WS 2 in the context of infection, the present study describes the conjugation of two potent antimicrobial peptides with WS 2 quantum dots, as well as the application of the resulting conjugates in antimicrobial therapy and bioimaging. In doing so, we determined the three-dimensional solution structure of the quantum dot-conjugated antimicrobial peptide by a series of high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques, correlating this to the disruption of both model lipid and bacterial membranes, and to several key biological performances, including antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects, as well as cell toxicity. The results demonstrate that particle conjugation enhances the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm potency of these peptides, effects inferred to be due to multi-dendate interactions for the conjugated peptides. As such, our study provides information on the mode-of-action of such conjugates, laying the foundation for their potential use in treatment and monitoring of infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]