Cobalt-intercalated α-MoO₃ nanoribbons enhance peroxidase mimetic activity and photothermal effects for sterilization

The effectiveness of conventional antibiotics in treating bacterial infections has significantly declined due to the emergence of bacterial resistance, which poses a considerable global public health challenge. Current treatment options for bacterial infections remain limited, often leading to increased side effects and exacerbating resistance. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop new antibacterial strategies. In this study, we designed and synthesized novel oxygen-deficient cobalt-intercalated molybdenum trioxide layered material (Co/MoO_3-x) nano-enzymes, characterized by abundant oxygen vacancies and superior peroxidase-like (POD-like) activity, as well as remarkable photodynamic and photothermal properties, when compared to pristine molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃). Upon exposure to near-infrared light (808 nm), Co/MoO_3-x exhibited rapid heating, which further enhanced its POD enzyme activity to decompose H₂O₂, producing a substantial amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since ROS can cause the rupture of bacterial cell membranes, Co/MoO_3-x demonstrated effective antibacterial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli. This work provides innovative perspectives for developing photothermal nanomaterials aimed at combating drug-resistant bacteria.