Functionalized MoS(2)-nanosheets with NIR-Triggered nitric oxide delivery and photothermal activities for synergistic antibacterial and regeneration-promoting therapy

Bacterial infection in skin and soft tissue has emerged as a critical concern. Overreliance on antibiotic therapy has led to numerous challenges, including the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and adverse drug reactions. It is imperative to develop non-antibiotic treatment strategies that not only exhibit potent antibacterial properties but also promote rapid wound healing and demonstrate biocompatibility. Herein, a novel multimodal synergistic antibacterial system (SNO-CS@MoS(2)) was developed. This system employs easily surface-modified thin-layer MoS(2) as photothermal agents and loaded with S-nitrosothiol-modified chitosan (SNO-CS) via electrostatic interactions, thus realizing the combination of NO gas therapy and photothermal therapy (PTT). Furthermore, this surface modification renders SNO-CS@MoS(2) highly stable and capable of binding with bacteria. Through PTT’s thermal energy, SNO-CS@MoS(2) rapidly generates massive NO, collaborating with PTT to achieve antibacterial effects. This synergistic therapy can swiftly disrupt the bacterial membrane, causing protein leakage and ATP synthesis function damage, ultimately eliminating bacteria. Notably, after effectively eliminating all bacteria, the residual SNO-CS@MoS(2) can create trace NO to promote fibroblast migration, proliferation, and vascular regeneration, thereby accelerating wound healing. This study concluded that SNO-CS@MoS(2), a novel multifunctional nanomaterial with outstanding antibacterial characteristics and potential to promote wound healing, has promising applications in infected soft tissue wound treatment. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-023-02167-9.