Photosensitizer doped zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanocomposites for combined antibacterial therapy to overcome methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Abstract Antibiotics have played an important role in the treatment of bacteria related infections. However, the rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and limited number of antibiotics available is a great challenge to humankind. To address this problem, we are proposing a photosensitizer-modified biodegradable zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanocomposite that can kill not only Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, but also methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with high efficacy. In vivo testing revealed that these nanocomposites are highly effective for in vivo wound disinfection with minimal side-effects. In conclusion, this photosensitizer-modified biodegradable nanocomposite could be very promising for a synergistic antibacterial therapy to overcome MRSA.