Eumelanin‐Enhanced Photothermal Disinfection of Contact Lenses Using a Sustainable Marine Nanoplatform Engineered with Electrospun Nanofibers
Magdalena Bartolewska, Alicja Kosik‐Kozioł, Zbigniew Korwek, Zuzanna J. Krysiak, Devis Montroni, Maciej Mazur, Giuseppe Falini, Filippo Pierini
Abstract
Bacterial keratitis (BK) is a severe eye infection commonly associated with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), posing a significant risk to vision, especially among contact lens wearers. This research introduces a novel smart nanoplatform (deMS@cNF), developed from demineralized mussel shells (deMS) and reinforced with chitin (CT) nanofibrils, specifically designed for portable photothermal disinfection of contact lenses. The nanoplatform leverages the photothermal properties of eumelanin in mussel shells (MS), which, when activated by a simple bike flashlight, rapidly heats to temperatures up to 95 °C, effectively destroying bacterial contamination. In vitro tests demonstrate that the nanoplatform is biocompatible and non-toxic, making it suitable for medical applications. This study highlights an innovative approach to converting marine biowaste into a safe, effective, and low-cost portable method for disinfecting contact lenses, showcasing the potential of the deMS@cNF platform for broader antimicrobial applications.