A Multinuclear Metal Complex Based DNase-Mimetic Artificial Enzyme: Matrix Cleavage for Combating Bacterial Biofilms

Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is an essential structural component during biofilm formation, including initial bacterial adhesion, subsequent development, and final maturation. Herein, the construction of a DNase-mimetic artificial enzyme (DMAE) for anti-biofilm applications is described. By confining passivated gold nanoparticles with multiple cerium(IV) complexes on the surface of colloidal magnetic Fe3O4/SiO2 core/shell particles, a robust and recoverable artificial enzyme with DNase-like activity was obtained, which exhibited high cleavage ability towards both model substrates and eDNA. Compared to the high environmental sensitivity of natural DNase in anti-biofilm applications, DMAE exhibited a much better operational stability and easier recoverability. When DMAE was coated on substratum surfaces, biofilm formation was inhibited for prolonged periods of time, and the DMAE excelled in the dispersion of established biofilms of various ages. Finally, the presence of DMAE remarkably potentiated the efficiency of traditional antibiotics to kill biofilm-encased bacteria and eradiate biofilms.