Introduction: The global increase in multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections highlights the urgent need for novel antimicrobial strategies. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as Dendrocin ZM1 derived from Zataria multiflora Boiss . offer promising therapeutic potential, but face limitations including poor stability and dose-dependent cytotoxicity. We developed a nanoconjugate of Dendrocin ZM1 with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) to enhance antimicrobial efficacy and reduced cytotoxicity. Methods: The nanoconjugates were synthesized and characterized using FTIR, XPS, TEM, DLS, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity against MDR Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains was evaluated using MIC determination, time–killing kinetics, ROS production, and ROS-scavenger rescue experiments. Hemolysis and MTT assays assessed biocompatibility on human red blood cells and HEK-293 cells. Results: Dendrocin ZM1–CQDs showed a 2 to 4-fold reduction in MIC values compared with Dendrocin ZM1 alone, and its rapid bactericidal kinetics reached a reduction of ≥ 3-log 10 CFU/mL within 30– 60 min at 2× MIC. ROS measurements showed a 3 to 4-fold increase in intracellular ROS levels, with scavenger treatments restoring bacterial viability, confirming ROS-mediated bacterial killing. Cytotoxicity assays showed > 90% cell viability and < 8% hemolysis even at high concentrations, indicating low toxicity to mammalian. Dendrocin ZM1–CQD nanoconjugates significantly enhance antibacterial efficacy while maintaining excellent biocompatibility. Discussion: The synergistic combination of AMPs and CQDs offers a promising nanobiotechnology platform for next-generation antimicrobial therapeutics targeting MDR pathogens. Keywords: dendrocin ZM1, carbon quantum dots, antimicrobial peptides, multidrug resistance, reactive oxygen species, nanoconjugates
Seyedjavadi et al. (Sun,) studied this question.