Peptide-Conjugated CuS Nanocomposites for NIR-Triggered Ablation of <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> Biofilm

The Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one famous bacterial strain owing to its ability to effectively form biofilms, which is a front-line mechanism of bacterial tolerance. Herein, the near-infrared-induced nanocomposites were one-step prepared by modifying copper sulfide nanoparticle with peptide to effectively eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm through electrostatic interaction, photodynamic effect and photothermal effect. These nanocomposites could rapidly adhere to the surface of bacteria, and irreversible damage the bacterial membrane under near-infrared laser irradiation. Furthermore, the nanocomposites could selectively eliminate bacteria over mammalian cell without distinct toxicity to NIH 3T3 cells. The nanocomposites will exert a far-reaching impact on the future design of biocompatible near-infrared-induced antibacterial agents, exhibiting its potential applications in Gram-negative bacteria and biofilm infections