Ag⁺-Adsorbing Semiconducting Polymer Nanosponge for Smart Local Treatment of Wound Infection

Abstract

Nanoplatform combined with photothermal therapy (PTT) and silver nanoparticles have been widely used to combat bacterial infections. However, the development of environmentally benign antibacterial nanoplatforms with controllable and long-term antibacterial activity is still challenging. Herein, we synthesized an Ag+-adsorbing organic semiconducting polymeric nanosponge (PDPP3T NPe@Ag+) to realize Ag+ enhanced photothermal anti-infective therapy. Furthermore, the PDPP3T NPe@Ag+ sponge can also spatiotemporally release silver ions in a pH/NIR light-responsive manner for controllable and long-term antimicrobial therapy. Owing to good biocompatibility and controlled release of silver ions, PDPP3T NPe@Ag+ can effectively kill bacteria in vitro and promote wound healing in vivo. We expect that this antimicrobial platform could be utilized as a robust antibacterial agent for infective therapy.