Development of photo-ROS responsive liposome for the delivery of an antibacterial agent by targeting the bacterial membrane

Abstract

The global rise of antibiotic resistance necessitates targeted antimicrobial strategies. Nanomaterials bypass bacterial defense mechanisms; however, they often lack targeting specificity and exhibit non-specific interactions. We engineered light-responsive liposomes with D-alanine for bacterial recognition and a thioketal linker to release functionalized sulfur quantum dots, enhancing antibacterial activity fourfold while minimizing toxicity.