A Chemo/photo-responsive immunomodulatory nanoplatform for treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial sepsis

Multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial infection has significantly disturbed human health, which may be even fatal in clinical practice. To deal with severe infection induced by MDR bacteria, we have proposed a multifunctional platform on basis of ultrasmall polyethyleneimine (PEI) etched SiC nanodots co-loading with L-arginine (L-Arg) and indocyanine green (ICG). The as-fabricated SiC@PEI-L-Arg/ICG (SPAI) can thoroughly kill MDR bacteria (>99 %) and almost eradicate biofilms through regulating related genetic pathways. This multi-strategy platform integrates potent chemotherapy and near-infrared light-driven NO enhanced auxiliary phototherapy at mild temperature to realize improved antibacterial property. SPAI shows outstanding effect in treatment of MDR bacteria caused skin trauma infection and organic infection (especially sepsis), with satisfactory bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties in vivo. Owing to excellent biocompatibility, this platform has opened a new avenue for effective treatment of bacterial infectious diseases.