Dual Enzyme-Mimic Popcorn-Shaped Copper–Erbium Nanoalloys for Combating Gram-Negative Pathogens and Promoting Wound Healing

Abstract

Nanozymes with intrinsic ROS-generating abilities hold promise as next-generation antimicrobials; however, optimizing their enzyme-mimic efficiency remains a significant challenge. Here, we fabricated popcorn-shaped copper–erbium nanoalloys (CuEr NAs) via a simple one-pot coreduction method, resulting in stabilized nanoconstructs with dual enzyme-mimic activities. We described that CuEr NAs effectively inactivate Escherichia coli (E. coli) by generating intracellular ROS and depleting glutathione (GSH) through the release of copper ions. These ions induced oxidative stress by generating hydroxyl radicals (^•OH) in acidic environments and oxidizing GSH to glutathione disulfide (GSSG), thereby amplifying ROS generation. CuEr NAs exhibited potent antibacterial activity and enhanced wound healing efficacy in an infected wound model by reducing the bacterial load, ameliorating inflammation, and promoting tissue remodeling. Histological analysis showed enhanced collagen deposition and re-epithelialization in wounds treated with CuEr NAs, highlighting their potential as a flexible platform for antimicrobial and regenerative biomedical applications. This study highlights CuEr NAs as a viable platform for antimicrobial applications and provides insights into the fabrication of multifunctional nanoantimicrobials.