pH-Responsive Targeted Epigallocatechin Gallate-Delivery Nanosystem for in Vivo Persistent Luminescence Imaging and Synergistic Therapy of Bacterial Infection

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has led to the failure of traditional antibiotics, posing a serious threat to human life and health. Therefore, the development of novel antibacterial strategies is of great significance. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a natural phenolic compound with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been reported as a potential antibacterial agent. However, its low bioavailability and rapid metabolism are major limitations of its in vivo application. Herein, we develop a highly sensitive, image-guided, pH-responsive targeted nanomaterial ZEI@GCS based on persistent luminescence nanoparticles. This nanosystem effectively improved the loading rate of EGCG and targeted the infection site, thereby enhancing EGCG bioavailability. Concurrently, this highly sensitive persistent luminescence imaging mode substantially enhances the antibacterial properties of the nanosystem, enabling the evaluation of the therapeutic outcome in mice. This platform not only effectively solves the problem of the low bioavailability of EGCG but also provides a novel method for the efficient sterilization and optimization of antibacterial treatment strategies in clinical settings.