Nano-Reactors Based on Ovotransferrin Organic Skeleton through a Ferroptosis-like Strategy Efficiently Enhance Antibacterial Activity

The issue of bacterial resistance is an escalating problem due to the misuse of antibiotics worldwide. This study introduces a new antibacterial mechanism, the ferroptosis-like death (FLD) of bacteria, and an approach to creating green antibacterial nano-reactors. This innovative method leverages natural iron-containing ovotransferrin (OVT) assembled into an organic skeleton to encapsulate low-concentration adriamycin (ADM) for synthesizing eco-friendly nano-reactors. FLD utilizes the Fenton reaction of reactive oxygen species and ferrous ions to continuously produce ·OH, which can attack the bacterial cell membrane and destroy the cell structure to achieve bacteriostasis. The OVT@ADM nano-reactors are nearly spherical, with an average diameter of 247.23 nm and uniform particle sizing. Vitro simulations showed that Fe