Membrane-targeting amphiphilic AIE photosensitizer for broad-spectrum bacteria imaging and photodynamic killing of bacteria

An amphiphilic AIE photosensitizer has been successfully developed, which allows for easily inserting into the bacterial membranes. Binding experiments with phospholipid preliminary demonstrates its membrane specificity. As expected, it is proved to possess a broad-spectrum bacterial staining performance and photodynamic antibacterial activity toward S. aureus and E. coli .& COPY; 2023 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Automated summary

An amphiphilic AIE photosensitizer that can easily penetrate bacterial membranes has been developed. Preliminary binding experiments with phospholipids have shown its membrane specificity. The photosensitizer has demonstrated broad-spectrum bacterial staining and photodynamic antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli.