Enhancing the ROS Generation via Polypyridine for Bacteria Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy

• • At 0.5 μM, 3TPhDPyMeOTf achieves >60% eradication of E. coli, S. aureus, and MRSA; this concentration is an order of magnitude lower than typical clinical photosensitizer doses, reducing potential cytotoxicity and cost per treatment. • • In MRSA-infected wounds, the photosensitizer yields 93% wound healing efficacy within 12 days, significantly higher than controls (p < 0.01 implied); this accelerates closure timelines, potentially reducing hospitalization duration and associated costs. • • The compound exhibits excellent bacterial membrane staining, enabling simultaneous imaging and therapy; this dual functionality eliminates the need for separate diagnostic agents, streamlining clinical workflows. • • The design incorporates multiple thiophene units and pyridine structures, enhancing visible-light absorption and radical generation; this overcomes the low conjugation and weak absorption of conventional viologens, enabling efficient type I PDT.