journal article·2026-06

Microenvironment‐Adaptive, Size‐Transformable Self‐Assembling Peptide Nanoassemblies for Targeted Delivery and Synergistic Combat Biofilm and Deep Tissue Associated Infections

Peng Tan, Qi Tang, Guanghui Zhao, Zhenduo Chen, Shuaikang Yang, Haoyu Yan, Linbao Ji, Xi Ma

Advanced Functional Materials· Volume 36· Issue 45
Publisher page

Abstract

ABSTRACT Bacterial biofilms and deep‐seated infections pose major therapeutic challenges by impairing antibiotic efficacy and accelerating antimicrobial resistance. Peptide‐based nanomaterials offer unique advantages, including low resistance induction and high biocompatibility, yet their clinical translation is limited by poor infection‐site targeting, short circulation, and restricted penetration into pathological barriers. Here, we present microenvironment‐adaptive self‐assembling peptide nanoassemblies (CyPN12) designed to overcome these limitations. CyPN12 forms large‐sized nanoparticles under physiological conditions, functioning as both intrinsic antibacterial agents and stable carriers. Upon encountering infectious microenvironments, they actively target pathogenic bacteria and transform into nanofibers, achieving prolonged retention and sustained antibacterial activity. In gelatinase‐rich associated with biofilms and deep tissue infections, CyPN12 undergo a secondary transformation into small‐sized nanoparticles, enabling efficient penetration through dense tissue and biofilm matrices. This dynamic size‐ and structure‐transformable behavior promotes targeted delivery, controlled release, and synergistic bactericidal efficacy while reducing the likelihood of resistance through membrane‐disruptive mechanisms. In murine and porcine models, ciprofloxacin‐loaded CyPN12 (Cip@CyPN12) selectively accumulated at infection sites and exhibited potent therapeutic efficacy against both localized and systemic infections. Collectively, this work offers a size‐transformable peptide system that improves biofilm penetration and antimicrobial efficacy, providing a feasible approach for the treatment of biofilm‐associated and deep‐seated infections in animal husbandry, thereby contributing to improved animal health.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Supramolecular Self-Assembly in Materials · Antimicrobial Peptides and Activities · Antimicrobial agents and applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding College of Animal Science and Technology China Agricultural University Beijing China

College of Animal Science Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Fuzhou China

School of Life Sciences Henan University Kaifeng China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · National Key Research and Development Program of China · China Postdoctoral Science Foundation

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