Study on the mechanism of ROS-induced oxidative stress injury and the broad-spectrum antimicrobial performance of nickel ion-doped VO powder.

In this study, pure VO and nickel ion-doped VO powders were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal-calcination method, and their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and mechanisms were investigated. The crystal structure, morphology, and chemical state of the powders were thoroughly analyzed by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, and UV-Vis. Their antimicrobial properties and mechanisms were evaluated by the ring of inhibition, bio-SEM, live-dead cell staining, ROS detection, and protein leakage experiments. The results showed that nickel ion doping modulated the oxygen defects of VO, generating more reactive oxygen species and leading to more severe oxidative stress, resulting in a broad-spectrum and highly efficient antimicrobial effect. This study also revealed the antimicrobial mechanism based on oxygen defect -induced ROS production, which caused cellular oxidative stress damage, leading to leakage of intracellular substances and cell death. This study not only demonstrates the potential of VO as an efficient antimicrobial agent but also provides a strong experimental basis and theoretical support for the engineering design and optimization of novel antimicrobial materials by modulating material defects through ion doping.