Near-infrared-light mediated ZIF-8@Ti₃C₂T_x nanocomposite for synergistic antibacterial properties and biofilm ablation

Abstract Due to the explosive emergence of various bacteria, antibiotics-free strategies are much needed for the elimination of bacterial-associated infections. Herein, ZIF-8@Ti 3 C 2 T x nanocomposite was synthesized via in situ growth against bacteria under near-infrared-light (NIR) mediation. The integrated ZIF-8@Ti 3 C 2 T x nanocrystal retained its NIR absorption, which enabled photothermal effect and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Upon NIR irradiation, a sterilization rate of nearly 100% and a biofilm reduction rate of about 82% were obtained when the nanocomposite was treated with E. coli . It is suggested that the integration of ZIF-8@Ti 3 C 2 T x facilitated the transfer of valence electrons to generate ROS, and the localized photothermal effect increased the release of Zn 2+ . Combined the photothermal therapy (PTT) with its evoked photodynamic therapy (PDT) and metal ions therapy (MIT), ZIF-8@Ti 3 C 2 T x realized superior bactericidal activity and created a novel antibiotic-independent nanoplatform for biofilm ablation.