Bacterial Elimination via Cell Membrane Penetration by Violet Phosphorene Peripheral Sub-Nanoneedles Combined with Oxidative Stress
The effectiveness of antibacterial agents is strongly influenced by its antibacterial mechanism, which, in turn, is dependent on the agent's topological structure. In addition to oxidative stress (especially caused by reactive oxygen species), known to be a key mechanism for 2D phosphorene structures, physical penetration of bacterial cell membranes is predicted for violet phosphorene nanosheets. In this study, we demonstrate that violet phosphorus (VP) and its exfoliated product, violet phosphorene nanosheets (VPNS), have superior antibacterial capability against pathogens.A series of antibacterial tests and theoretical calculations show that VPNS can inactivate >99.9% of two common pathogens (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) and >99% of two “superbugs” (i.e., antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Escherichia coli pUC19 and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) via oxidative stress combined with cell membrane penetration by VPNS Moreover, VPNS have higher antibacterial activity than black phosphorene nanosheets in vitro and in vivo. We believe VPNS as special rigidly structured nanoagents have great potential for eradicating pathogens. Overall design: Violet Phosphorene