Harnessing intracellular bacteria in bladder by intravesical delivery of antibiotics-loaded nanodiamonds to reduce the recurrence of urinary tract infection

Abstract Treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) effectively is a difficult task due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and limited antibiotic access to intracellular bacteria within the bladder lining. Numerous studies of the antibiotics-nanodiamonds (NDs) synthesis and their inhibi...

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Main Authors: Carmen Oi Kwan Law, Hoi Man Leung, Meijun Wang, Qichang Nie, Quynh Hoa Pham, Kam Chu Han, Tak Siu Wong, Kwan Ting Chow, Pik Kwan Lo, Terrence Chi Kong Lau
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-05-01
Series:Journal of Nanobiotechnology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-025-03459-y
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Summary:Abstract Treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) effectively is a difficult task due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and limited antibiotic access to intracellular bacteria within the bladder lining. Numerous studies of the antibiotics-nanodiamonds (NDs) synthesis and their inhibitory effect on bacteria have been performed previously. However, their effectiveness and toxicity in cell-based and animal infection models remain unclear. In this study, we presented the utilization of biopolymer-coated nanodiamonds for the delivery of tetracycline (TET) to the intracellular bacterial communities within the bladder cells using an intravesical delivery approach, aiming to effectively treat UTIs. Compared with antibiotics alone, the TET-loaded ND-based carrier system significantly improved the clearance of intracellular bacteria in the infected cell and animal models. Moreover, the intravesical delivery avoids the potential toxic effects from NDs accumulation in the organs, and minimizes the loss of the drugs during delivery. These results offer a promising strategy to treat chronic infections and prevent the recurrence of urinary tract infections (rUTIs). Graphical Abstract
ISSN:1477-3155