Ultrasmall Gold Nanocluster Based Antibacterial Nanoaggregates for Infectious Wound Healing

Wound infections are a growing challenge and significantly delay the healing process. To overcome this challenge, nanotechnology-inspired treatments have recently emerged as promising alternatives to conventional drugs and antibiotics. Here, we introduce a new type of antimicrobial nanoaggregate that integrates the intrinsic properties of ultra-small gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) with a biocompatible antimicrobial polymer, namely, chitosan (CS). The synergetic combination created from the AuNCs and CS in the nanoaggregates resulted in superior antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strains, when compared with their individual components. Furthermore, the nanoaggregates also facilitate rapid wound healing without exhibiting any cytotoxic effects in mammalian cells. These nanoaggregates may become a potent component of innovative wound healing therapies.