Issue 5, 2014

Ferromagnetic nanoparticles with peroxidase-like activity enhance the cleavage of biological macromolecules for biofilm elimination

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a “green chemical” that has various cleaning and disinfectant uses, including as an anti-bacterial agent for hygienic and medical treatments. However, its efficacy is limited against biofilm-producing bacteria, because of poor penetration into the protective, organic matrix. Here we show new applications for ferromagnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4, MNPs) with peroxidase-like activity in potentiating the efficacy of H2O2 in biofilm degradation and prevention. Our data show that MNPs enhanced oxidative cleavage of biofilm components (model nucleic acids, proteins, and oligosaccharides) in the presence of H2O2. When challenged with live, biofilm-producing bacteria, the MNP–H2O2 system efficiently broke down the existing biofilm and prevented new biofilms from forming, killing both planktonic bacteria and those within the biofilm. By enhancing oxidative cleavage of various substrates, the MNP–H2O2 system provides a novel strategy for biofilm elimination, and other applications utilizing oxidative breakdown.

Graphical abstract: Ferromagnetic nanoparticles with peroxidase-like activity enhance the cleavage of biological macromolecules for biofilm elimination

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
12 Oct 2013
Accepted
24 Dec 2013
First published
03 Jan 2014

Nanoscale, 2014,6, 2588-2593

Author version available

Ferromagnetic nanoparticles with peroxidase-like activity enhance the cleavage of biological macromolecules for biofilm elimination

L. Gao, K. M. Giglio, J. L. Nelson, H. Sondermann and A. J. Travis, Nanoscale, 2014, 6, 2588 DOI: 10.1039/C3NR05422E

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