A hybrid nano-assembly with synergistically promoting photothermal and catalytic radical activity for antibacterial therapy

It is of great significance to develop effective antibacterial agents and methods to combat drug resistant bacterial infections due to its increasing threaten to human health and the ineffectiveness of antibiotics. Herein, a multifunctional hybrid nano-assembly (M1-Fe NPs) based on conjugated oligomer and ferrous ion was engineered with favorable bactericidal activity for synergetic antibacterial therapy. The chelation of ferrous ion not only enhances the photothermal conversion efficiency of M1 but also endows the nano-assembly with catalytic capability of transferring H2O2 into stronger oxidant hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Meanwhile, the generated heat can further promote the Fenton reaction activity. By generating cytotoxic heat and oxidative •OH, M1-Fe NPs can effectively kill Staphylococcus aureus in vitro and in vivo with the aid of low dosage of H2O2. The work provides a new multifunctional platform for combinational drug resistant antibacterial therapy and even antitumor therapy.