Ferromagnetic nanoparticles with peroxidase-like activity enhance the cleavage of biological macromolecules for biofilm eliminationElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Magnetic nanoparticles with peroxidase activity, cleavage details on DNA and BSA, killing of E. coli, and cell viability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in biofilms. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr05422e

• Main Authors: Gao, Lizeng, Giglio, Krista M, Nelson, Jacquelyn L, Sondermann, Holger, Travis, Alexander J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 13.02.2014
• ISSN: 2040-3364; 2040-3372
• DOI: 10.1039/c3nr05422e

Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is a "green chemical" that has various cleaning and disinfectant uses, including as an anti-bacterial agent for hygienic and medical treatments. However, its efficacy is limited against biofilm-producing bacteria, because of poor penetration into the protective, organic matrix. Here we show new applications for ferromagnetic nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 , MNPs) with peroxidase-like activity in potentiating the efficacy of H 2 O 2 in biofilm degradation and prevention. Our data show that MNPs enhanced oxidative cleavage of biofilm components (model nucleic acids, proteins, and oligosaccharides) in the presence of H 2 O 2 . When challenged with live, biofilm-producing bacteria, the MNP-H 2 O 2 system efficiently broke down the existing biofilm and prevented new biofilms from forming, killing both planktonic bacteria and those within the biofilm. By enhancing oxidative cleavage of various substrates, the MNP-H 2 O 2 system provides a novel strategy for biofilm elimination, and other applications utilizing oxidative breakdown. Ferromagnetic nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 , MNPs) with peroxidase-like activity enhanced oxidative cleavage of biofilm matrix components (nucleic acids, proteins and polysaccharides) in the presence of H 2 O 2 , providing a novel strategy for biofilm prevention and elimination, as well as killing bacteria within the biofilm.