Self-assembly multifunctional DNA tetrahedron for efficient elimination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Antibiotic resistance is a major challenge in the clinical treatment of bacterial infectious diseases. Herein, we constructed a multifunctional DNA nanoplatform as a versatile carrier for bacteria-specific delivery of clinical antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP) and classic nanoantibiotic silver nanoparticles (AgNP). In our rational design, CIP was efficiently loaded in the self-assembly double-bundle DNA tetrahedron through intercalation with DNA duplex, and single-strand DNA-modified AgNP was embedded in the cavity of the DNA tetrahedron through hybridization. With the site-specific assembly of targeting aptamer in the well-defined DNA tetrahedron, the bacteria-specific dual-antibiotic delivery system exhibited excellent combined bactericidal properties. With enhanced antibiotic accumulation through breaking the out membrane of bacteria, the antibiotic delivery system effectively inhibited biofilm formation and promoted the healing of infected wounds in vivo. This DNA-based antibiotic delivery system provides a promising strategy for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Automated summary

A multifunctional DNA nanoplatform was constructed as a versatile carrier for bacteria-specific delivery of the clinical antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP) and classic nanoantibiotic silver nanoparticles (AgNP). The antibiotic delivery system, incorporating CIP and AgNP, exhibited excellent combined bactericidal properties with enhanced antibiotic accumulation and biofilm inhibition. It also promoted the healing of infected wounds in vivo. This DNA-based antibiotic delivery system provides a promising strategy for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections.