Triple-targeting nanosystems with synergistic effects on iron Trojan horse, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, and photodynamic therapy specifically kill intracellular MRSA.

ABSTRACT: Rationale: Iron is necessary for the survival of microorganisms. The uptake network is highly expressed by host cells and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and competes with heme iron. Gallium porphyrin (GaPR), a heme mimetic compound, was synthesized to develop an innovative nanosystem as a triple-targeting agent for uptake network recognition. GaPR is also used as a dual therapeutic molecule of "iron trojan horse" and photosensitizer to achieve synergistic antibacterial effects with levofloxacin to eradicate intracellular MRSA-a problem that conventional therapeutic techniques cannot overcome due to limited drug penetration, antibiotic resistance, and off-target effects. Methods: A library of hemimetic compounds was synthesized. GaPR was selected as

SUBMITTER: Meng K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12439474 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature