Using a visible light-triggered pH switch to activate nanozymes for antibacterial treatment

Abstract

Here, we develop a visible light-triggered platform to activate the biomimetic activity of CuS nanoparticles by incorporating a photoacid generator. Under visible-light illumination, the remarkable pH decrease, caused by the intramolecular photoreaction of the photoacid generator, activates the peroxidase-like activity of the CuS nanoparticles. This visible light-triggered pH switch meets the antibacterial demands of peroxidase mimics perfectly in bacteria-infected wounds. Importantly, the built-in torches of mobile phones are able to replace the visible-light source to activate the peroxidase-mimicking activity of CuS nanoparticles to combat bacteria, which greatly promotes the utility and adaptability of this antibacterial platform.