A Bi2S3@mSiO2@Ag nanocomposite for enhanced CT visualization and antibacterial response in the gastrointestinal tract

J Mater Chem B. 2020 Jan 28;8(4):666-676. doi: 10.1039/c9tb02562f. Epub 2020 Jan 6.

Abstract

The non-invasive imaging of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is highly desired for clinical research due to the various GI tract bacterial infection-induced diseases. To treat GI tract infections, various antibiotics have been used in the clinic. The growing problem of multidrug-resistant bacteria calls for effective antibiotic alternatives. Here, we construct a dual-functional Bi2S3@mSiO2@Ag nanocomposite for simultaneous enhanced X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging and efficient antibacterial activity in the GI tract. The nanocomposite also has good stability, low cytotoxicity, and negligible hemolysis. Moreover, the investigation of the long-term toxicity and biodistribution of the Bi2S3@mSiO2@Ag nanocomposite after oral administration confirms its safety at the tested dosage. In particular, Ag nanoparticles (NPs) well dispersed on a silica substrate can reduce the antibacterial dosage and enhance the antibacterial activity of the Bi2S3@mSiO2@Ag nanocomposite. Furthermore, we have established bacterially infected enteritis animal models to confirm the antibacterial ability of the nanocomposite. This work opens up a new avenue for the design of a nanotheranostic agent that acts as both a contrast agent for the enhanced visualization of the GI tract and an antibacterial agent as an alternative to antibiotics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bismuth / chemistry
  • Bismuth / pharmacology
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / diagnostic imaging*
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / drug effects*
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology
  • Materials Testing
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Nanocomposites / chemistry*
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry
  • Silicon Dioxide / pharmacology
  • Silver / chemistry
  • Silver / pharmacology
  • Sulfides / chemistry
  • Sulfides / pharmacology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Sulfides
  • Silver
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Bismuth
  • bismuth sulfide