Theranostic gold-in-gold cage nanoparticles enable photothermal ablation and photoacoustic imaging in biofilm-associated infection models
Maryam Hajfathalian, … , Hyun Koo, David P. Cormode
Maryam Hajfathalian, … , Hyun Koo, David P. Cormode
Published August 31, 2023
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2023;133(21):e168485. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI168485.
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Research Article Infectious disease

Theranostic gold-in-gold cage nanoparticles enable photothermal ablation and photoacoustic imaging in biofilm-associated infection models

Abstract

Biofilms are structured communities of microbial cells embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. Biofilms are associated with many health issues in humans, including chronic wound infections and tooth decay. Current antimicrobials are often incapable of disrupting the polymeric biofilm matrix and reaching the bacteria within. Alternative approaches are needed. Here, we described a complex structure of a dextran-coated gold-in-gold cage nanoparticle that enabled photoacoustic and photothermal properties for biofilm detection and treatment. Activation of these nanoparticles with a near infrared laser could selectively detect and kill biofilm bacteria with precise spatial control and in a short timeframe. We observed a strong biocidal effect against both Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms in mouse models of oral plaque and wound infections, respectively. These effects were over 100 times greater than those seen with chlorhexidine, a conventional antimicrobial agent. Moreover, this approach did not adversely affect surrounding tissues. We concluded that photothermal ablation using theranostic nanoparticles is a rapid, precise, and nontoxic method to detect and treat biofilm-associated infections.

Authors

Maryam Hajfathalian, Christiaan R. de Vries, Jessica C. Hsu, Ahmad Amirshaghaghi, Yuxi C. Dong, Zhi Ren, Yuan Liu, Yue Huang, Yong Li, Simon A.B. Knight, Pallavi Jonnalagadda, Aimen Zlitni, Elizabeth A. Grice, Paul L. Bollyky, Hyun Koo, David P. Cormode

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Figure 6

PTNP are multifunctional nanoagents that detect and treat oral infections.

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PTNP are multifunctional nanoagents that detect and treat oral infection...
Photothermal efficacy of PTNP in the oral model; (A) A schematic of the PTT experiment. (B) Bacteria killing in an animal model of oral disease, as evidenced by the viability of S. mutans (n = 6). (C) Representative confocal microscopy of control, PTNP only, Laser only, PTNP,-and-laser treated, and chlorhexidine only within S. mutans biofilms. Live and dead bacteria are shown in green and red, respectively (Scale bar: 10 μm). The experimental data underwent statistical analysis using SAS 9.5 (SAS Institute) and a mixed-model ANCOVA. **P < 0.005.