Lattice Strain Engineering of Ti3C2 Narrows Band Gap for Realizing Extraordinary Sonocatalytic Bacterial Killing

The rapid development of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) providesa promisingstrategy for treating deep-seated multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterialinfection. However, the extreme scarcity of biologically functionaland highly efficient sonosensitizers severely limits the further clinicalpractice of SDT. Herein, the lattice-strain-rich Ti3C2 (LS-Ti3C2) with greatly improved sonosensitizingeffect is one-step synthesized using Ti3C2 and meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)-porphine (TCPP) by thesolvothermal method for realizing extraordinary SDT. The interventionof TCPP causes all the Ti-O chemical bonds and most of theTi-F chemical bonds on the surface layer of Ti3C2 to break down. The amino groups of TCPP are then recombinedwith these exposed Ti atoms to perturb the order of the Ti atoms,resulting in displacement of the Ti atoms and final lattice structuraldistortion of Ti3C2. The inherent lattice strainnarrows the band gap of Ti3C2, which mainlyfacilitates the electron-hole pair separation and electrontransfer under ultrasound irradiation, thereby resulting in US-mediatedreactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the subsequent robustbactericidal capability (99.77 & PLUSMN; 0.16%) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Overall, this research offersa perspective into the development of Ti-familial sonosensitizerstoward SDT practice.

Automated summary

The rapid development of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) provides a promising strategy for treating deep-seated multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infection. However, the scarcity of biologically functional and efficient sonosensitizers limits the clinical practice of SDT. In this research, lattice-strain-rich Ti3C2 (LS-Ti3C2) was synthesized using Ti3C2 and meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)-porphine (TCPP) to achieve extraordinary SDT. The intervention of TCPP caused structural distortion of Ti3C2, resulting in narrowed band gap and enhanced electron-hole pair separation under ultrasound irradiation, leading to US-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and robust bactericidal capability against MRSA. This research offers a perspective into the development of Ti-familial sonosensitizers for SDT practice.