A core-shell 2D-MoS2@MOF heterostructure for rapid therapy of bacteria-infected wounds by enhanced photocatalysis

As the increasing antibiotics resistance of bacteria, pathogenic bacterial infections aggravate the skin wounds and prevent it from healing and even induce serious complications. Here, we constructed a core-shell interface electric field at the interface between Prussian blue (PB) metal organic framework (MOF) and two-dimensional MoS2 nanosheets by in-situ growth of MoS2 on the surface of MOF (MoS2@PBMOF), which drove the transfer of photo-excited electrons and promoted the separation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs. Additionally, the lower O-2 adsorption energy of MoS2@PBMOF endowed the heterostructure with much stronger O-2 adsorption ability than MoS2 alone, which provided more oxygen species to capture the photogenerated electrons and holes and thus produced more radical oxygen species (ROS). Meanwhile, the excellent photothermal property of the composite could regulate the release of iron ions from MoS2@PBMOF under light irradiation by hyperpyrexia. Hence, under 660 nm visible illumination for 20 min, the MoS2@PBMOF killed 99.73 % S. aureus and 99.58 % E. coli, which attributed to the synergy of local hyperthermia, abundant ROS, and released iron ions through bacterial membrane damage, protein leakage, and the oxidation of glutathione. Importantly, this composite could promote the healing of damaged tissues with good biosafety by promoting the production of hemoglobin. This work provides new insight into the practical application of promising strategy for environmental disinfection and treating bacterial wound infections without using antibiotics.

Automated summary

By constructing a core-shell interface electric field and enhancing oxygen adsorption ability, MoS2@PBMOF can generate high temperature and abundant ROS under light irradiation to kill bacteria, while promoting the healing of damaged tissues.