Skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) is an inflammatory condition caused by bacteria, and the eradication of biofilms is an important problem when treating such infections. Because of the low dispersibility and biofilm permeability of magnetic antibacterial materials, biofilm removal is difficult and infection persists. To solve these problems, inspired by conventional cloud bombs, a magnetic “nano‐cloud bomb” by adjusting the synthesis ratio to alter the shape of an assembled zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF), namely ZIF‐L‐Fe, is synthesized simply and rapidly. ZIF‐L‐Fe has a flower‐like clustered structure with sharp edges, which prevents the stacking of 2D ZIF nanoleaves, thereby enhancing the dispersion of Fe nanoparticles and increasing biofilm penetration under the action of magnetism. Additionally, ZIF‐L‐Fe retains the photothermal and catalytic properties of nanoparticles, which can kill methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at low temperature and efficiently catalyze hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Because of its magnetic effect, ZIF‐L‐Fe can rapidly penetrate biofilm, thus forming craters and destroying the local biofilm structure. Accordingly, the proposed strategy of clustered ZIF‐loaded delivery of Fe provides a novel concept that requires further development for clinical application to the treatment of biofilm infections.
Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is considered the primary bacteria responsible for dental caries, and specific recognition and fluorescence labeling can achieve accurate detection and early diagnosis of oral diseases such as dental caries. However, due to the weak stability of traditional imaging probes in solution and a lack of specific recognition functions, there are still significant challenges in fluorescent imaging detection of dental caries lesions. Herein, we report a peptide-QDs composite fluorescent probe that can achieve highperformance imaging of S. mutans and enable early diagnosis of the susceptible sites and hidden early carious lesions of dental caries. This fluorescent probe has high fluorescence stability, good biocompatibility, and low biotoxicity in physiological environments. It can specifically recognize and fluorescently label S. mutans, responsible for early dental caries, accurately locating dental lesion sites. Combined with visible fluorescence analysis, it is more convenient to screen for hidden dental lesions that might otherwise be ignored. Due to its low synthesis cost, stable storage, and simple imaging method, the peptide-QDs composite fluorescent probe can be widely used in routine dental examinations for accurate screening of dental diseases.
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