Citation: Chiyin Zhang, Xiwen Geng, Hang Xu, Xinyu Gu, Shaokui Cao, Zhanrong Li, Jingguo Li, Jun Shi. Interfacial-engineered AuNR@CuS nanohybrids for photothermal and photodynamic synergistic therapy against MRSA wound infections[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2026, 37(11): 112290. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.112290 shu

Interfacial-engineered AuNR@CuS nanohybrids for photothermal and photodynamic synergistic therapy against MRSA wound infections

Chiyin Zhang ^{a, 1} ,
Xiwen Geng ^{b, 1} ,
Hang Xu ^c ,
Xinyu Gu ^a ,
Shaokui Cao ^a ,
Zhanrong Li ^b ,
Jingguo Li ^{a, b, *,} ,
Jun Shi ^{a, *,}

a.
Henan Key Laboratory of Advanced Nylon Materials and Application, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
b.
Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
c.
School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China

lijingguo@zzu.edu.cn

shijun@zzu.edu.cn

Received Date: 29 September 2025
Revised Date: 14 December 2025
Accepted Date: 15 December 2025
Available Online: 16 December 2025

Figures(7)

Phototherapy has great potential in combating drug-resistant bacterial infections due to its minimal tendency to induce resistance. However, a single mode of light-based treatment may require high doses of agent or laser power, which may damage healthy tissues. To address these challenges, this study designed and constructed AuNR@CuS core−shell hybrid nanoparticles (ACSNPs) with precise interface engineering. This structural design effectively enhances absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) region and promotes efficient separation of photogenerated carriers through the built-in electric field. Consequently, the ACSNPs exhibit a synergistically enhanced photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, ACSNPs demonstrated a photothermal conversion efficiency as high as 46.6% and generated substantial hydroxyl radicals. The synergistic PTT/PDT achieve the effective elimination of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Complete eradication of bacteria was achieved at a low concentration (20 µg/mL) within 10 min of NIR irradiation. Furthermore, in vivo experiments confirmed the excellent antibacterial efficacy of ACSNPs in healing infected skin wounds. Notably, no significant cytotoxicity was observed at their effective antibacterial concentration. This study demonstrates that interface-engineered hybrid nanoparticles serve as an efficient synergistic platform, offering a novel therapeutic strategy for treating drug-resistant bacterial infections.
- Interfacial engineering,
- Photothermal therapy,
- Photodynamic therapy,
- Synergistic therapy,
- Wound disinfection
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