Hybrid Spike-Facilitated Capture and Biofilm Destruction Co-Enhances Ultrasound-Mediated Bactericidal Therapy

Abstract

Bacterial pneumonia, a leading global cause of infectious disease-related mortality, faces critical challenges from antibiotic resistance and microbiome disruption associated with conventional therapies. Herein, inspired by the antibacterial microstructure of gecko skin, the study developed a tannic acid-modified Mn–ZnO hybrid microparticle (denoted as MZT) with a biomimetic cocklebur-inspired spine-like architecture, achieving synergistic modulation of surface morphology and chemical composition. The material demonstrates dual antimicrobial mechanisms: (i) the microspikes significantly enhance bacterial capture efficiency by leveraging polyphenol-mediated bacterial membrane interactions, enabling synergistic bacterial trapping and physical penetration for targeted antimicrobial action; (ii) a piezoelectricity-driven, acid-responsive reactive oxygen species catalytic system achieves pathogen-selective eradication under ultrasound activation without harming healthy tissues. Theoretical analyses revealed that surface piezoelectric fields enhance catalytic kinetics through charge redistribution. In vivo studies demonstrated precise pulmonary delivery via a nebulized system in Klebsiella pneumoniae-infected mice, exhibiting superior therapeutic efficacy. Cell viability assays and histopathological evaluations confirmed excellent biosafety at both cellular and organismal levels. This work establishes a bioinspired material design paradigm for targeted antimicrobial strategies with minimized resistance risks and microbiome preservation.