Hydrogel retaining toxin-absorbing nanosponges for local treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection

Summary

This study developed a hydrogel that retains red blood cell membrane-coated nanosponges for local treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. The nanosponges absorb pore-forming toxins, and the hydrogel maintains them at the infection site. In a mouse model, the hybrid formulation significantly reduced MRSA-induced skin lesions compared to empty gel. This antibiotic-free antivirulence approach offers a potential treatment for localized bacterial infections without contributing to antibiotic resistance.