A Powerful NIR-II AIEgen for Efficient Photothermal Eradication of Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Biofilms and Liver Abscesses

Abstract

Bacterial liver abscesses represent a significant threat to human health, and the emergence of infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria exacerbates this issue. The urgent need to develop effective antibacterial strategies to overcome antibiotic resistance is well recognized. In this context, we present an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogen (TTQ) exhibiting near-infrared II (NIR-II) luminescence, which facilitates precise imaging-guided photothermal eradication of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) biofilms and liver abscesses. TTQ exhibited remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency and deep-tissue penetration capabilities, facilitating effective bacterial eradication through irreversible membrane disruption and intracellular disorganization. In vitro investigations demonstrated that TTQ exhibited significant antibacterial activity against CRKP and effectively disrupted biofilms via localized hyperthermia-induced membrane damage. In vivo assessments indicated that TTQ’s rapid hepatic accumulation and extended retention facilitated precise photothermal therapy (PTT) of abscesses induced by CRKP. This treatment resulted in the full resolution of abscesses, a marked reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhanced survival rates. The outstanding bactericidal efficacy, deep-tissue therapeutic capability, and biocompatibility of TTQ suggest its potential as a next-generation, nonantibiotic approach for the management of deep-seated multidrug-resistant infections.