pH-responsive hierarchical H(2)S-releasing nano-disinfectant with deep-penetrating and anti-inflammatory properties for synergistically enhanced eradication of bacterial biofilms and wound infection

BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm-associated bacterial infection is the primary cause of nosocomial infection and has long been an ongoing threat to public health. MRSA biofilms are often resistant to multiple antimicrobial strategies, mainly due to the existence of a compact protective barrier; thus, protecting themselves from the innate immune system and antibiotic treatment via limited drug penetration. RESULTS: A hierarchically structured hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S)-releasing nano-disinfectant was presented, which was composed of a zinc sulfide (ZnS) core as a H(2)S generator and indocyanine green (ICG) as a photosensitizer. This nano-disinfectant (ICG-ZnS NPs) sensitively responded to the biofilm microenvironment and demonstrated efficient eradication of MRSA biofilms via a synergistic effect of Zn(2+), gas molecule-mediated therapy, and hyperthermia. Physically boosted by released H(2)S and a near-infrared spectroscopy-induced hyperthermia effect, ICG-ZnS NPs destroyed the compactness of MRSA biofilms showing remarkable deep-penetration capability. Moreover, on-site generation of H(2)S gas adequately ameliorated excessive inflammation, suppressed secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and expedited angiogenesis, therefore markedly accelerating the in vivo healing process of cutaneous wounds infected with MRSA biofilms. CONCLUSION: ICG-ZnS NPs combined with NIR laser irradiation exhibited significant anti-biofilm activity in MRSA biofilms, can accelerate the healing process through deep-penetration and anti-inflammatory effectuation. The proposed strategy has great potential as an alternative to antibiotic treatment when combating multidrug-resistant bacterial biofilms. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-022-01262-7.