Abstract

Antibiotics play an important role in the treatment of infectious diseases. However, the growing threat of drug-resistant bacteria has limited the availability and effectiveness of antibiotics. Here, we introduced an antibiotic nanocomposite using biocompatible and biodegradable layered double hydroxides as a matrix, followed by covalent conjugation of a photosensitizer, chlorin e6 (Ce6), and in-situ doping of silver nanoparticles for synergistic photo-chemo combination therapy to effectively kill both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This layered double hydroxides-silver-chlorin e6 nanocomposite could be potentially utilized for treating various bacterial infections and overcoming bacterial resistance.