IR820 Sensitized Ceria Nanozyme via PDA Bridging for Multifaceted Antibacterial Wound Healing Therapy

Abstract Nanozymes with peroxidase (POD)‐like activity hold significant potential for addressing antibiotic‐resistant bacterial infections. However, their catalytic efficiency and therapeutic efficacy need further improvement to broaden their clinical applications. A key challenge is achieving efficient energy transfer from photosensitizing molecules to nanozymes, which is critical for enhancing catalytic performance. In this study, a universal strategy is developed to bridge nanozymes and photosensitizing molecules, designing photoactivated nanozymes called IR820/PDA@mCeO 2 (IR/P@Ce). By integrating IR820, a photosensitizer, with mesoporous ceria (mCeO 2 ), it facilitates efficient electron transfer through polydopamine (PDA) bridge molecules, resulting in enhanced POD‐like catalytic performance and reactive oxygen species production. Additionally, PDA stabilized the nanozyme, improved photothermal therapy, and enhanced photodynamic therapy under near‐infrared light exposure, further amplifying bacterial destruction. This multifunctional nanozyme demonstrated strong antibacterial efficacy against both Gram‐positive ( Staphylococcus aureus ) and Gram‐negative ( Escherichia coli ) bacteria. Moreover, its synergistic approach not only facilitated bacterial eradication but also accelerated wound healing in vivo, making it a promising therapeutic alternative for managing bacterial infections and promoting tissue regeneration.