Metal-Organic Framework-Derived Homologous Sulfide Heterojunction for Robust Enzyme-Like Self-Driven Bacteria-Killing through Enhanced Electron Transfer

Infectious diseases caused by various bacteria pose a serious threat to human health, and the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria has forced humans to develop new and effective antimicrobial agents and strategies. Herein, a metal-organic framework-derived Bi2S3/FeS2 heterojunction (BFS) is synthesized, and the materials-microorganism interface is further constructed. Through interfacial electron transfer, electrons are transferred from the bacteria to the BFS surface, disrupting the balance of the bacterial electron transport chain and inhibiting the metabolic activity of the bacteria. Moreover, BFS has enzyme-like (oxidase and peroxidase) properties and can produce a large amount of reactive oxygen species to kill additional bacteria. In vitro antibacterial results show that the antibacterial efficiency of BFS against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli reaches more than 99.9% after 4 h of co-culture under dark conditions. Meanwhile, in vivo experiments show that BFS can effectively kill bacteria and promote wound healing. This work shows that BFS could be a novel, effective nanomaterial for the treatment of bacterial infections by constructing the materials-microorganism interface.

Automated summary

A Bi2S3/FeS2 heterojunction derived from a metal-organic framework is synthesized and the materials-microorganism interface is constructed. Through interfacial electron transfer, the bacterial electron transport chain is disrupted, inhibiting the metabolic activity of the bacteria. The BFS also exhibits enzyme-like properties and can produce reactive oxygen species to kill additional bacteria. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate the high antibacterial efficiency and wound healing promoting effect of BFS. This work highlights the potential of BFS as a novel nanomaterial for the treatment of bacterial infections through the construction of materials-microorganism interface.