An AIE‐Active Conjugated Polymer with High ROS‐Generation Ability and Biocompatibility for Efficient Photodynamic Therapy of Bacterial Infections

Abstract

New, biocompatible materials with favorable antibacterial activity are highly desirable. In this work, we develop a unique conjugated polymer featuring aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) for reliable bacterial eradication. Thanks to the AIE and donor‐π‐acceptor structure, this polymer shows a high reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐generation ability compared to a low‐mass model compound and the common photosensitizer Chlorin E6. Moreover, the selective binding of pathogenic microorganisms over mammalian cells was found, demonstrating its biocompatibility. The effective growth inhibition of bacteria upon polymer treatment under light irradiation was validated in vitro and in vivo. Notably, the recovery from infection after treatment with our polymer is faster than that with cefalotin. Thus, this polymer holds great promise in fighting against bacteria‐related infections in practical applications.

Recent advances of AIE light-up probes for photodynamic therapy

“…With these strategies, various AIEgens with improved absorption, red-shied emission, and enhanced ROS production have been developed, and Table 1 summarizes the photophysical properties of these AIE photosensitizers, which await further engineering for real practical applications. [32][33][34][35] 2.2. Design concepts of AIE light-up probes 2.2.1 Aggregation-induced light-up.…”

Silk‐Inspired In Situ Hydrogel with Anti‐Tumor Immunity Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy for Melanoma and Infected Wound Healing

“…[ 12–14 ] Moreover, PDT is also considered to be a promising antibacterial therapeutic method for bacterial infections by generating ROS to kill Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) and prevent abscess recurrence under light exposure. [ 15–18 ] Currently, some photodynamic agents exhibit poor biocompatibility, rapid clearance, and degradation in vivo, which affect the efficacy of PDT in cancer treatment. [ 19,20 ] Therefore, combination of photodynamic agents with bulk biopolymers is regarded as a promising strategy to achieve optimal biocompatibility.…”

Aggregation-Induced Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species: Mechanism and Photosensitizer Construction

“…In 2001, a new concept termed as aggregation-induced emission (AIE) was proposed by Tang and co-workers [ 14 , 15 ], and since then, a series of luminogens with aggregation-induced emission property (AIEgens) have been developed. A typical AIEgen shows neglectable emission in dilute solutions but much enhanced emission in molecular ensembles [ 16 , 17 ]. In other words, AlEgens can utilize aggregation to play a positive instead of a negative role in enhancing luminescence [ 18 ].…”