Au&WO3 heterojunctions against multidrug-resistant bacteria

Abstract

Wound infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria remain a significant medical challenge. Existing treatments, including antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides, and nanomaterials, are limited by drug resistance and toxicity. It is urgent to develop an effective alternative agent for treatment of infected wound. Here, we synthesized Au&WO₃ heterojunctions via a hydrothermal method and NaBH₄ reduction to address MDR bacterial infections. We characterized the structure of Au&WO₃ heterojunctions by TEM, EDS, and zeta potential. Mechanistically, The enhanced bacterial activity could arise from synergistic effects of membrane disruption by Au nanoparticles and replacement of the molybdenum factor by W^6 + ions. The Au₁&WO₃ heterojunction had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12 µg/mL against MDR E. coli, outperforming individual Au nanoparticles and WO₃ nanorods. In vitro, Au₁&WO₃ induced M2 macrophage polarization, demonstrating strong anti-inflammatory activity. The PG-Au₁&WO₃ membranes exerted excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammation properties with good biocompatibility, promoting wound healing in MDR E. coli-infected wound models. The Au&WO₃ heterojunctions highlight their potential as a promising wound dressing for MDR infection treatment.