Microwave-Actuated Hot-Carrier/Polarization Triggers Catalysis to Coordinate Staphylococcus aureus Ribosome Stalling and Treat Deep-Seated Infections.

Abstract

Due to the low energy of microwaves (MW), MW dynamic therapy (MWDT) remains inefficient in treating deep-seated infections. Here, an MW-actuated hot-carrier/polarization-triggers catalysis strategy is proposed via two types of tandem reactors to amplify the efficacy of MWDT. By combining MW-thermosensitive carbon nanotube (CNT) with thermal-electricity conversion materials, the Seebeck-type and pyroelectric-type MW-thermal-electricity tandem reactors (CNT-Bi₂Te₃ and CNT-ZnO) are prepared. The CNT converts MW into a local heat source and rapidly heats Bi₂Te₃ or ZnO to activate hot-carrier or polarization for high-yield reactive oxygen species production to treat deep-seated infections. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal MW stalls the ribosomes of Staphylococcus aureus, thereby hindering its proliferation. Therefore, the biocompatible tandem reactor synergizes with bacterial ribosome stalling to demonstrate a targeted bactericidal effect in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, a series of antimicrobial products is developed for precise and efficient antimicrobial therapies.