Photodynamic Therapy Research StudiesNanoplatforms for cancer theranosticsCancer Research and Treatments

Lei Hao, Yeonho Song, Cheng Zhang, Yumei Wang, Haoying Ge, Wen Sun, Jingyun Wang, Jun Soo Kim, Xiaojun Peng, Juyoung Yoon, Haidong Li

2026.1.24AICHE JOURNAL

DOI: 10.1002/aic.70238

tlooto Summary

Based on molecular dynamics simulations and in vitro experiments, TC 8 T exhibited enhanced antibacterial efficacy against multiple drug‐resistant Gram‐negative strains upon white light irradiation, including clinically difficult‐to‐treat strains and demonstrated robust antimicrobial activity and promoted tissue reconstruction in murine models of wound infection and post‐tumor‐resection mixed infections.

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance has become a major threat to human health, particularly for Gram‐negative bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae . Disruption of membrane integrity is regarded as a promising antimicrobial strategy that does not induce distinct drug resistance, while increasing the internalization of drug doses and mitigating efflux mechanisms. In this study, relying on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to optimize and confirm the membrane‐disrupting activity of photodrugs, we fabricated a series of monomeric (TC n ) and dimeric (TC n T) photodrugs ( n  = 4, 8, 12, and 16), with different alkyl chain lengths, enabling their differing bacterial membrane rupture capabilities of inherent. Notably, based on MD simulations and in vitro experiments, TC 8 T exhibited enhanced antibacterial efficacy against multiple drug‐resistant Gram‐negative strains upon white light irradiation, including clinically difficult‐to‐treat strains. More importantly, TC 8 T demonstrated robust antimicrobial activity and promoted tissue reconstruction in murine models of wound infection and post‐tumor‐resection mixed infections.

Citation format

HAO, Lei, et al. A rational strategy to optimize photodrugs by molecular dynamics simulations for killing drug‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria. AICHE JOURNAL, 2026, 72(5).