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Light‐Triggered Nitric Oxide Release by a Photosensitizer to Combat Bacterial Biofilm Infections
Author(s) -
Zhao Zhennan,
Li Huinan,
Tao Xuan,
Xie Yanxuan,
Yang Liang,
Mao ZongWan,
Xia Wei
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
chemistry – a european journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.687
H-Index - 242
eISSN - 1521-3765
pISSN - 0947-6539
DOI - 10.1002/chem.202004698
Subject(s) - biofilm , photosensitizer , pseudomonas aeruginosa , microbiology and biotechnology , tobramycin , nitric oxide , chemistry , bacteria , cytotoxicity , antibiotics , biology , gentamicin , biochemistry , photochemistry , in vitro , genetics , organic chemistry
Bacterial biofilms are a serious global health concern, often responsible for persistent infections. New strategies to prevent and treat bacterial infections by eradication of the biofilms are urgently needed. A novel ruthenium‐based compound is reported in this study that functions as both a boronic acid‐decorated photosensitizer (PS) and a light‐triggered nitric oxide (NO) releasing agent. The compound can selectively attach to the bacterial membrane and biofilms and it is highly potent at eradicating Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms through the simultaneous release of NO and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The compound, which is more effective than clinical antibiotic tobramycin, also has excellent bacterial specificity and shows no significant cytotoxicity to human cells. The results reveal potential applications of this innovative dual‐functional photoactivated ruthenium compound to combat bacterial biofilm infections.