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

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.