Biomimetic Catalytic System Mimicking Immune Defense and Tissue Healing for Dynamic Treatment of Skin Infections.

Yang, Kaili; Zhu, Jiahua; Xu, Fansen; Wu, Xuan; He, Ao; Dong, Heng; Shen, Han; Shan, Jingyang et al. · Nano Lett · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Managing skin infections requires both pathogen eradication and tissue regeneration, yet current therapeutics rarely address these sequential needs. Here, we designed a biomimetic catalytic system (MBC) to recapitulate the dynamic, dual-phase functionality of the innate immune response. In the infectious microenvironment, MBC mimics neutrophil-mediated killing by using CeO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles (NPs) and Br ions to exert haloperoxidase-like activity, generating HBrO from endogenous H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> to eliminate MRSA biofilms. Upon infection clearance, the system autonomously transitioned to a healing phase. CeO<sub>2</sub> NPs switch to macrophage-like antioxidant functions, scavenging reactive oxygen species, resolving inflammation, and restoring immune homeostasis. In three murine infection models of MRSA-infected wounds, pressure ulcers, and subcutaneous abscesses, MBC achieves comprehensive therapeutic efficacy.