Oxygen vacancy formation strengthened microwave catalysis of Zn-Zr solid solution for antibiotic-free therapy strategies of bacteria-infected osteomyelitis

Abstract

Osteomyelitis, a grave deep tissue infection primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus, results in serious complications such as abscesses and sepsis. With the incidence from open fractures exceeding 30 % and prevalent antibiotic resistance due to extensive treatment regimens, there's an urgent need for innovative, antibiotic-free strategies. Photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) renowned for generating localized reactive oxygen species (ROS), face limitations in penetration depth. To overcome this, our method combines the deep penetration attributes of medical microwaves (MW) with the synergistic effects of the ZnO/ZrO₂ solid solution. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo evaluations showcased the solid-solution's potent antibacterial efficacy and biocompatibility. The ZnO/ZrO₂ solid solution, especially in a 7:3 M ratio, manifests superior microstructural characteristics, optimizing MW-assisted therapy. Our findings highlight the potential of this integrated strategy as a promising avenue in osteomyelitis management.

Keywords: Antibacterial; Microwave therapy; Osteomyelitis; Zn-Zr solid solution.