Phycocyanin Functionalized Selenium Nanoparticles for Type I Photodynamic Antibacterial Therapy and Wound Healing

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising treatment for drug-resistant bacterial infections by avoiding the abuse of antibiotics. However, most PDT rely on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated via type II process, which limits the antimicrobial effect in hypoxic microenvironment. Herein, we reported phycocyanin functionalized selenium nanoparticles (Se@PC NPs) for type I photodynamic antibacterial therapy and wound healing. Se@PC NPs can generate hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals under visible light irradiation, effectively disrupting bacterial membrane structure and demonstrating sterilization against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Notably, in vivo experiments and histological tests have demonstrated that Se@PC NPs effectively eliminate bacteria, regulate proinflammatory cytokines against bacteria-induced inflammation, promote collagen deposition, and accelerate wound healing. Consequently, this study provides a strategy for the design of highly effective type I photosensitizers for photodynamic antibacterial therapy.