Precision PEGylation of ZnO quantum dots enables selective intracellular killing of Uropathogenic <i>E. coli</i> via multimodal antibacterial mechanisms without inducing resistance.

ABSTRACT: The intracellular persistence and biofilm-forming capacity of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are major contributors to urinary tract infections (UTIs) recurrence and antibiotic failure. Here, we report a precisely engineered nanotherapeutic based on ZnO quantum dots (QDs) surface-functionalized with low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol (PEG200), designed to enhance biocompatibility while preserving potent antibacterial activity. The optimized ZnO@PEG200 QDs exhibited excellent aqueous dispersibility, minimal cytotoxicity, and broad-spectrum efficacy against both drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains. Mechanistic studies revealed that the QDs exerted multimodal bactericidal effects, including Zn²⁺ ion release, membrane destabiliz

SUBMITTER: Niu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12808613 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature