Heterojunction-engineered CNT-MOF hybrid platform for synergistic amplified therapy of bacterial-infected wounds

Bacterial wound infections pose a serious clinical threat, often leading to impaired healing and severe complications. To address this challenge, we developed CNT@Por-Cu-MOF, a heterojunction material constructed via in situ growth of Cu(I)-carbon-bonded porphyrin-based metal organic framework (Por-Cu-MOF) as a nano-layer on carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The hierarchical porous structure of the composite enhances therapeutic performance by improving the diffusion of reactive substrates and facilitating the conversion of photonic energy into cytotoxic effects. Under light irradiation, this design enables a self-reinforcing therapeutic cycle that synergistically amplifies antibacterial efficacy through three interconnected mechanisms. Specifically, photothermal conversion elevates local temperature and accelerates enzymatic catalytic kinetics. Hybrid type I/II photodynamic reactions that generate multiple reactive oxygen species (ROS), breaking the hypoxia-induced limitations of conventional phototherapy. Dual enzyme-mimetic catalytic activities, including the peroxidase (POD)- and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like behavior that convert endogenous H₂O₂ into •OH while depleting glutathione (GSH), thereby disrupting the redox balance in bacteria. At only 100 μg/mL, CNT@Por-Cu-MOF not only completely eradicates Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), but effectively removes their biofilms. In a murine wound infection model, the combination of the material, H₂O₂, and laser irradiation significantly accelerated wound healing through integrated photothermal ablation, photodynamic penetration, and catalytic oxidative stress. By leveraging and reprogramming the infected microenvironment, this study introduces a pioneering approach to creating antibacterial platforms with low dosage, broad-spectrum coverage, and hypoxia resistance.