Crystalline ruthenium polypyridine nanoparticles: a targeted treatment of bacterial infection with multifunctional antibacterial, adhesion and surface-anchoring photosensitizer properties

Sph-Ru-MMT@PZ adheres to cell surfaces via sticky montmorillonite. Irradiation therapy generates reactive oxygen species that lyse E. coli, emitting an intense red fluorescence giving rapid feedback on the efficacy of antibacterial treatments.