Macrophage-mimicking nanodiscs for treating systemic infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Summary

This study investigates whether macrophage membrane–derived nanodiscs (MФ-NDs) can treat systemic infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The nanodiscs, fabricated by mixing macrophage membranes with styrene–maleic acid copolymers, directly disrupt bacterial membranes, cause leakage of intracellular contents, and kill bacteria. They also reduce the number of bacteria inside host cells (macrophages) by enhancing reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production. In a mouse model of systemic MRSA infection, MФ-NDs improved survival in both therapeutic and prophylactic settings, with a dose-dependent effect. The nanodiscs showed a lower propensity to induce bacterial resistance compared to conventional antibiotics and no acute toxicity in mice. Overall, MФ-NDs represent a promising biomimetic alternative to traditional antibiotics for treating resistant bacterial infections.