Light-propelled actived Janus PCN-224@Au nanomotors overcome transport barriers for broad-spectrum sterilization

The accelerating global crisis of multidrug-resistant infections and the physical intractability of dense bacterial biofilms demand therapeutic platforms that are both functionally active and externally controllable. Here we report the rational design and synthesis of a fuel-free, near-infrared (NIR) propelled Janus nanomotor, PCN-224@Au, that unites photothermal therapy (PTT) with sonodynamic therapy (SDT) in a single construct. Asymmetric deposition of gold onto a porphyrinic PCN-224 metal-organic framework (MOF) establishes the geometric anisotropy required for propulsion and a metal–MOF interface that promotes charge separation. Under low-power 808-nm irradiation, the Au cap converts light to heat and drives self-thermophoretic motion, yielding directed transport with ensemble speeds of ∼10 μm s −1 and super-diffusive MSD of ∼60 μm 2 at 4 s while producing a local temperature rise of 35 + °C within 600 s at 100 μg mL −1 . Ultrasound (US) activates ROS formation in PCN-224, and the Janus architecture simultaneously delivers NIR photothermal input to amplify the effect. Dual activation with NIR and US therefore delivers localized thermal stress (PTT) together with high ROS flux (SDT), producing broad-spectrum antibacterial effects against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) . Light-driven motility enhances deep biofilm penetration and nanomotor-bacteria contact, while US-activated ROS disrupt membranes and trigger cytoplasmic leakage, translating into rapid, depth-resolved sterilization with favorable hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility. By coupling controllable propulsion with sonocatalysis, this Janus nanomotor approach overcomes transport and resistance barriers and provides an effective, fuel-free platform for broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy. • Janus PCN-222@Au nanomotors enable fuel-free NIR-guided motion. • Light-driven transport improves biofilm penetration and bacterial contact. • Au-MOF coupling boosts sonodynamic ROS generation under ultrasound. • NIR photothermal heating and SDT act synergistically for sterilization. • Combined treatment clears resistant biofilms and supports safe wound repair.