Antimicrobial Peptide Modified Liquid Metal Nanomaterials for Enhanced Antibacterial Photothermal Therapy

The misuse of antibiotics has led to antibiotic‐resistant “superbugs,” prompting the exploration of alternative antibacterial strategies. This study focuses on the promising avenue of photothermal therapy (PTT). Despite numerous advantages, the clinical applicability of PTT as a sole sterilization strategy is hindered by the necessity for higher temperatures, potentially causing harm to healthy tissues. To overcome this challenge, our study introduces antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to modify the surface of gallium‐based liquid metal (LM) nano antimicrobial agents, thereby enhancing their photothermal antibacterial effects within a lower temperature range. Firstly, we synthesized a novel LM composite nanomaterial, LM@AMP nanoparticles, through a sonication process involving DSPE‐PEG, AMP, and LM in an aqueous solution. In this context, AMPs not only contribute to the structural stability of LM nanoparticles but also enhance their selective interaction with bacterial cell membranes. Then, we performed a thorough characterization of LM@AMP nanoparticles, encompassing analyses through electron microscopy, determination of particle size, and assessment of zeta potential. Moreover, we validated the exceptional photothermal properties exhibited by these nanoparticles. Finally, our investigation demonstrates that LM@AMP nanoparticles selectively target bacterial cell membranes, showcasing efficient bactericidal effects (near 100%) at relatively low temperatures under NIR irradiation.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.