Multispectral-responsive Cu7S4@rGO bio-heterojunction for rapid sterilization through bacterial cuproptosis-like death

Abstract

Bacterial infection is a significant challenge in the realm of wound healing, particularly in burn and trauma cases, as it delays wound healing, threatens patient health, and promotes the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Although phototherapy is widely employed in the field of antimicrobial therapy, these methods are typically applied in broad spectrum approach to treat various types of infectious diseases. Their selectivity is often limited, which may lead to an increased risk of tissue damage, thereby diminishing clinical applicability and specificity in particular contexts. To address this daunting issue, we have designed a multispectral-responsive bio-heterojunction (bio-HJ) (Cu7S4@rGO bio-HJ) to induce bacteria cuproptosis-like death. Cu7S4@rGO bio-HJ catalytically generates a considerable amount of ROS which assaults the membrane of extracellular bacteria under near infrared (NIR) or visible light. Additionally, Cu7S4@rGO bio-HJ can effectively kill bacteria by inducing localized hyperthermia under NIR. As a result, the multispectral antibacterial properties of Cu7S4@rGO bio-HJ has significantly enhanced its applicability and feasibility in medical settings. Cu7S4@rGO bio-HJ demonstrates potential for utilization in the treatment of oral infections, cutaneous infections (such as acne and herpes), and other superficial infections through its responsiveness to visible light, facilitating photodynamic therapy. Furthermore, in the context of deep-seated tissue infections, Cu7S4@rGO bio-HJ responsiveness to NIR renders it viable for the implementation of combined photodynamic and photothermal therapy. This study reveals the potential of Cu7S4@rGO bio-HJ in multispectral responsiveness and bacterial sterilization, providing new insights for novel biomedical applications.