Herb‐Metal Ion Coordination Compounds with Photo/Electromagnetic Wave Response for Developing Various Anti‐Infection Strategies

Abstract The global rise in infectious diseases and antibiotic overuse exacerbate bacterial drug resistance, particularly in multidrug‐resistant pathogens like methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). While plant‐derived flavones exhibit multi‐target antibacterial mechanisms that overcome resistance, their therapeutic application remains constrained by poor aqueous dispersibility and stability. Herein, a luteolin‐iron complex (Lut‐Fe 3 ⁺) is engineered through a facile coordination approach, where Fe 3 ⁺ facilitates d ‐orbital splitting and generation of high‐spin electrons. This octahedral complex demonstrates exceptional water dispersibility and exhibits broad‐spectrum absorption across ultraviolet to microwave (MW) frequencies. Lut‐Fe 3 ⁺ demonstrates dual antimicrobial modalities: long‐term antisepsis in the dark and rapid sterilization under light/MW irradiation. This multi‐functional complex is further combined with various methods to develop therapeutic strategies for bacterial infections at different depths. Notably, the Lut‐Fe 3 ⁺ is engineered into an MW‐responsive nebulization system, achieving effective eradication of MRSA‐induced deep‐tissue pneumonia in mice.