In vivo activation of pH-responsive oxidase-like graphitic nanozymes for selective killing of Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori infection is a major etiological factor in gastric diseases. However, clinical antibiotic therapy for H. pylori is limited by continuously decreased therapeutic efficacy and side effects to symbiotic bacteria. Herein, we develop an in vivo activatable pH-responsive graphitic nanozyme, PtCo@Graphene (PtCo@G), for selective treatment of H. pylori. Such nanozymes can resist gastric acid corrosion, exhibit oxidase-like activity to stably generate reactive oxygen species only in acidic gastric milieu and demonstrate superior selective bactericidal property. C18-PEGn-Benzeneboronic acid molecules are modified on PtCo@G, improving its targeting capability. Under acidic gastric pH, graphitic nanozymes show notable bactericidal activity toward H. pylori, while no bacterial killing is observed under intestinal conditions. In mouse model, high antibacterial capability toward H. pylori and negligible side effects toward normal tissues and symbiotic bacteria are achieved. Graphitic nanozyme displays the desired enzyme-like activities at corresponding physiological sites and may address critical issues in clinical treatment of H. pylori infections.