Dye-sensitize d rare-earth-dope d nanoprob e for simultaneously enhanced NIR-II imaging and precise treatment of bacterial infection

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is responsible for causing life-threatening infections that result in high morbidity and mortality rates. The development of advanced imaging and therapeutic methods for in vivo diagnosis and treatment of MRSA infections remains challenging. Here, we develop a hybrid nanoplatform based on rare-earth-doped nanoparticles (RENPs) sensitized by a moiety-engineered near-infrared (NIR) TPEO-820 dye and with a ZIF-8 layer that incorporates CysNO, a photochemically triggered nitric oxide donor. We then use the hybrid for both NIR-II bioimaging and photoactivatable treatment of MRSA-infected wounds. We show that the NIR dye sensitization leads to an 8.5-fold en-hancement of the downshifting emission and facilitates deep-tissue NIR-II imaging of bacterial infections. Moreover, the sensitization strategy enhances the UV emission of RENPs by two orders of magnitude, leading to the efficiently controllable release of nitric oxide for effective disinfection of MRSA in vitro and in vivo. The hybrid nanoplatform thus offers promising opportunities for simultaneous localization and controllable treatment of MRSA. Statement of Significance Early detection and treatment of MRSA infections are crucial for reducing public health risks. It is a sig-nificant challenge that develops sensitive in vivo diagnosis and complete elimination of drug-resistant bacterial infections. Herein, a nanoplatform has been developed for photoactivatable therapy of MRSA in-fections and deep tissue NIR-II imaging. This platform utilizes lanthanide-doped rare earth nanoparticles (RENPs) that are sensitized by a moiety-engineered near-infrared (NIR) dye TPEO-820. The TPEO-820 sen-sitized RENPs exhibit 5 times increase in the release of NO concentration for MRSA treatment compared to unsensitized RENPs, enabling precise therapy of MRSA infection both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the platform demonstrates NIR-II luminescence in vivo, allowing for sensitive imaging in deep tissue for MRSA infection. (c) 2023 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, a hybrid nanoplatform was developed for photoactivatable therapy and deep tissue NIR-II imaging of MRSA infections. The use of sensitize rare-earth-doped nanoparticles and a near-infrared dye TPEO-820 enabled the controlled release of nitric oxide for effective disinfection of MRSA, as well as deep tissue imaging of MRSA infections.