Biodegradable Fe(ii)/Fe(iii)-coordination-driven nanoassemblies for chemo/photothermal/chemodynamic synergistic therapy of bacterial infection

Abstract

Metal–organic coordination polymer nanoassemblies with chemodynamic/photothermal effects are promising antibacterial materials, but poor biodegradability of polymers in nanoassemblies pose obstacles to their clinical application. Herein, the acid-labile branched polymer was synthesized to coordinate with gallic acid (GA) and Fe(II)/Fe(III) to form biodegradable Fe(II)/Fe(III)-coordination-driven nanoassemblies. These nanoassemblies have synergistic antibacterial efficacy based on pH-responsive cinnamaldehye (CA) release, near-infrared (NIR) light-induced hyperthermia and chemodynamic therapy. The local temperature rises further accelerated the Fenton reaction from the nanoassemblies, giving photothermally-enhanced chemodynamic therapy. The biodegradable nanoassemblies could not only inhibit bacteria growth through disrupting bacterial walls but also promote bacteria-infected wound healing. Importantly, Fe(II)/Fe(III)-coordination-driven nanoassemblies could selectively eradicate bacteria in the presence of mammalian cells. This study provides a novel approach for preparing of biodegradable nanoassemblies with synergistic chemo/photothermal/chemodynamic performance to selectively combat bacterial infection.