Reassembled One-Dimensional VB<sub>2</sub> Submicrorods with Enhanced Photosensitivity and H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> Supply for Efficient Antibacterial Therapy
Jianxing Feng, Xuewei Yang, Tianyu Wang, Ting Du, Junchen Zhuo, Pengfei Zhang, Liang Zhang, Hao Sun, Yaru Han, Yinqiang Xia, Jianlong Wang, Wentao Zhang
Abstract
Recent advances in photocatalytic micro-nanoarchitecture have enlightened emerging photosensitizer-based photodynamic bactericidal therapies, which have been fruitful in addressing the thorny issue of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Nevertheless, the clinical feasibility of current photodynamic sterilization has been constrained by the biosafety of the photosensitizer and the maintenance of a relatively mild physiological microenvironment during treatment. Herein, we assemble a rodlike monocrystal on the sub-microscale from bioactive vitamin B 2 (VB 2 ) through a precise control strategy. The internal VB 2 single molecules form a one-dimensional submicrostructure driven by π–π stacking interactions and hydrogen bonds. As expected, the dimensional submicronization tuning strategy ameliorates the aqueous solubility and dispersion stability of ordinary VB 2 crystals while endowing them with enhanced superoxide radical yield and H 2 O 2 supply under illumination. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) based on VB 2 submicrorods demonstrated remarkable in vitro killing effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by mediating ROS bursts. Furthermore, the superior biocompatibility of VB 2 submicrorods enables them to accelerate the closure of exposed lesions during PDT of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections without inducing perceptible side effects. This work aims to pursue photosensitizers with high biosafety, efficiency, and practical feasibility and focuses on developing biologically active VB 2 as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective multifunctional photodynamic bactericide.