Glycosylated graphene-nylon fiber: A new material platform to balance the nanotoxicity and bioactivity for anti-infective therapy

Nanomaterials show great potential for biomedical applications, particularly in addressing challenges such as drug-resistant bacterial infections. However, their clinical use is hindered by considerable obstacles, mainly due to the potential risks associated with nanotoxicity. One effective strategy to mitigate nanotoxicity is the use of nanocomposites, which involve dispersing and immobilizing nanomaterials within polymer matrices. Unfortunately, it often results in a significant reduction in bioactivity. To overcome the challenge of balancing nanotoxicity and bioactivity, novel glycosylated graphene-nylon fibers were designed and synthesized by using an in situ polymerization technique combined with the surface glycan-engineering. By covalently immobilizing graphene nanosheets within the polyamide matrix, the potential health risks associated with graphene migration in vivo were prevented. The glycan coatings on the surface of the graphene-nylon fiber enhanced the antibacterial and antiviral properties through a synergistic effect of pathogen enrichment and oxidative stress. This novel material platform demonstrated outstanding therapeutic efficacy in both healthy mouse wound models and diabetic mouse wound models with drug-resistant bacterial infections, significantly accelerating the wound healing process. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms were comprehensively explored. The glycosylated graphene-nylon fibers exemplify an innovative approach to balancing nanotoxicity and bioactivity, and will greatly facilitate the biomedical applications of nanomaterials. A glycosylated graphene-nylon fiber that balances low nanotoxicity and high bioactivity is developed for wound healing against drug-resistant infections. • First glycosylated graphene-nylon fiber breaks anti-infective trade-offs via capture-kill mechanism. • In-situ polymerization anchors graphene to prevent dissemination in vivo and reduce nanotoxicity. • Glycan "sweet decoy" enriches pathogens for enhanced photodynamic killing. • Wound healing is accelerated in both healthy and diabetic models with drug-resistant infections.