Cupric oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) possess multiple enzyme-mimicking activities, such as peroxidase, ascorbic acid oxidase, and cysteine oxidase. Herein, we demonstrated that with the introduction of ascorbic acid (AA), CuONPs exhibit an antibacterial activity towards both Gram-positive bacteria <i>Staphylococcus aureus </i>and Gram-negative bacteria <i>Escherichia coli</i>. This marvelous antibacterial character is attributed to its ascorbic acid oxidase-like activity, which catalyzes the decomposition of AA to produce hydrogen peroxide and thus causes bacterial death. Furthermore, scanning electron microscope was carried out to study the biocidal action of CuONPs with the assistance of AA. Results confirmed that the membrane integrity of bacterial was seriously damaged as a result of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by hydrogen peroxide. Our finding suggests a broad chemical space to develop new antibacterial agent to treat bacteria.

Ascorbic oxidase-like activity of cupric oxide nanoparticles and its antibacterial application

2019 Spring National Meeting

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