Ag‐Coupled Polymeric Nanohybrids with Synergistic Photodynamic and Photothermal Activities for Advanced Antibacterial Therapy

Abstract Considering the implications of inherent resistance of pathogenic bacteria, it is important to design a new generation of nonchemotherapic nanoagents for effective antibacterial therapy. Herein, we illustrate a one‐step reprecipitation‐encapsulation strategy to incorporate hydrophobic photosensitizers (ZnPc) and photothemal agents (dopamine hydrochloride) with a cationic poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) layer. Upon light irradiation, the polymeric nanohybrid exhibits high photo‐to‐thermal conversion efficiency (30.3%) and effective 1 O 2 generation capability. To further enhance the antibacterial efficiency, Ag nanoparticle, a typical broad‐spectrum antibacterial agent, was decorated on the surface of PLL layer by in‐situ reduction. The as‐synthesized nanohybrids, referred to as ZnPc/DA@Ag, achieved a robust photodynamic/photothermal/Ag antibacterial capability without apparent systemic toxicity, thus holding great potential for broad‐spectrum eradication of pathogenic bacteria.