Synergistic antibacterial effects of localized heat and oxidative stress caused by hydroxyl radicals mediated by graphene/iron oxide-based nanocomposites.

Unlabelled: This work develops a composite system of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-iron oxide nanoparticles (rGO-IONP) that can synergistically induce physical and chemical damage to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that are present in subcutaneous abscesses. rGO-IONP was synthesized by the chemical deposition of Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) ions on nanosheets of rGO in aqueous ammonia. The antibacterial efficacy of the as-prepared rGO-IONP was evaluated in a mouse model with MRSA-infected subcutaneous abscesses.

A rapid drug release system with a NIR light-activated molecular switch for dual-modality photothermal/antibiotic treatments of subcutaneous abscesses.

Eradicating subcutaneous bacterial infections remains a significant challenge. This work reports an injectable system of hollow microspheres (HMs) that can rapidly produce localized heat activated by near-infrared (NIR) light and control the release of an antibiotic via a "molecular switch" in their polymer shells, as a combination strategy for treating subcutaneous abscesses. The HMs have a shell of poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and an aqueous core that is comprised of vancomycin (Van) and polypyrrole nanoparticles (PPy NPs), which are photothermal agents.

Production of the secondary metabolites gamma-aminobutyric acid and monacolin K by Monascus.

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), a hypotensive agent, and monacolin K, a cholesterol-lowering drug, can be produced by Monascus spp. Under optimal culture conditions, the products of fermentation using Monascus spp. may serve as a multi-functional dietary supplement and can prevent heart disease.