Cu-based nanozymes effectively inhibit proliferation of fungal pathogens by catalyzing ROS yield

The fungal pathogens Fusarium solani are the causative agents of mycotic keratitis, a global serious ocular disease affecting visual impairment or blindness. In view of limitations in current treatment method and the severe impact of fungal keratitis on vison, developing alternative agents for effective control of these diseases has become urgent. Herein, copper-doped imidazole zeolite structure as a nanozyme (Cu nanozyme) and modified the surface of Cu nanozymes through polyethyleneimine (PEI) (p-Cu nanozymes) is successfully constructed. The p-Cu nanozymes showed excellent antibacterial activity, significantly superior to commonly used clinical antifungal drugs (voriconazole and natamycin). We also monitored that the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production acts as an important mediator for exerting antifungal effects. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of Cu nanozymes against F. solani, and the results will form the basis of further research about the growth inhibition mechanisms of fungi by MOFs-based nanozymes. This will represent a promising new non-antibiotic antifungal drug and provide a new idea for the antifungal research of new materials.