Cu₇S₄ Nanozyme Efficiently Inactivating Drug-Resistant Bacteria on Mouse Wound Models through Photodynamic and...

The rapid emergence of drug-resistant bacteria has outpaced the development of traditional antibiotics, necessitating the exploration of more effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, the design of a Cu₇S₄ multifunctional nanozyme, activated by near-infrared (NIR) light is presented, that demonstrates enhanced antibacterial activity. Cu₇S₄ is synthesized with varying defect structures by utilizing different templates, which substantially optimize its absorption to H₂O₂ and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) molecules. This process generates an optimal electronic structure, producing efficient antibacterial activity through photodynamic and photothermal synergetic processes. Specifically, the Cu₇S₄ nanozyme with dual defects (VCu and VCuCuCuSSS) exhibits peroxidase-like (POD), catalase-like (CAT), and GSH-depletion properties, effectively inactivating drug-resistant bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Notably, in a mouse wound model infected with P. aeruginosa, the nanozyme demonstrates significant antibacterial efficacy, promoting wound healing under NIR light. This multifunctional Cu₇S₄ nanozyme presents a promising new strategy for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections.