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Highly Efficient Photodynamic Hydrogel with AIE-Active Photosensitizers toward Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
Ying Chen1, Ziqiang Xu1, Xin Wang2
1School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes great health hazards to society because most antibiotics are ineffective. Photodynamic treatment (PDT) has been proposed to combat MRSA due to the advantage of imaging-guided no-drug resistance therapy. However, the traditional photosensitizers for PDT are limited by aggregation-caused quenching for imaging and low photodynamic antibacterial efficiency. In this work, we synthesize a new aggregation-induced emission (AIE) photosensitizer (APNO), which can ultrafast distinguish between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria within 3 s by AIE-active photosensitizer imaging. Meanwhile, APNO can generate antibacterial reactive oxygen species under light irradiation, which holds potential for antibacterial PDT. Then, APNO is loaded by PHEAA hydrogel to obtain a highly efficient photodynamic hydrogel (APNO@gel). In vitro results show complete inhibition of MRSA by APNO@gel under lower-power light irradiation. Transcriptome analysis is performed to investigate antibacterial mechanism of APNO@gel. Most importantly, APNO@gel also exhibits significant inhibition and killing ability of MRSA in the MRSA wound infection model, which will further promote rapid wound healing. Therefore, the photodynamic hydrogel provides a promising strategy toward MRSA ultrafast imaging and killing.
Insights
A novel aggregation-induced emission photosensitizer (APNO) enables ultrafast imaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT) of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The APNO-loaded hydrogel (APNO@gel) effectively inhibits MRSA in vitro and in vivo, promoting wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses significant health risks due to antibiotic resistance.
- Traditional photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) suffer from aggregation-caused quenching and low antibacterial efficiency.
- There is a need for advanced imaging-guided, non-drug-resistant therapeutic strategies against MRSA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE) photosensitizer for rapid MRSA imaging and photodynamic antibacterial therapy.
- To create an efficient photodynamic hydrogel for enhanced MRSA treatment.
- To investigate the antibacterial mechanism of the developed hydrogel.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a new AIE photosensitizer (APNO) for ultrafast bacterial differentiation.
- Loading of APNO into a PHEAA hydrogel to form APNO@gel.
- In vitro and in vivo evaluation of APNO@gel for MRSA inhibition and wound healing, including transcriptome analysis.
Main Results:
- APNO achieved ultrafast (3 s) discrimination between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using AIE imaging.
- APNO@gel demonstrated complete inhibition of MRSA under low-power light irradiation in vitro.
- APNO@gel showed significant MRSA inhibition and killing in a wound infection model, accelerating wound healing.
Conclusions:
- The developed AIE photosensitizer and hydrogel offer a promising strategy for rapid MRSA imaging and effective photodynamic therapy.
- APNO@gel presents a potential solution for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria and promoting wound healing.
- This approach overcomes limitations of traditional photosensitizers, paving the way for advanced antimicrobial treatments.
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