Biofilm Microenvironment-Responsive Self-Assembly Nanoreactors for All-stage Biofilm Associated Infection through Bacterial Cuproptosis-like Death and Macrophage Re-rousing.

Bacterial biofilm-associated infections (BAIs) are the leading cause of prosthetic implant failure. The dense biofilm structure prevents antibiotic penetration, while the highly acidic and H O -rich biofilm microenvironment (BME) dampens the immunological response of antimicrobial macrophages. Conventional treatments that fail to consistently suppress escaping planktonic bacteria from biofilm result in refractory recolonization, allowing BAIs to persist. Herein, we propose a BME-responsive copper-doped polyoxometalate clusters (Cu-POM) combination with mild photothermal therapy (PTT) and macrophage immune re-rousing for BAI eradication at all stages. The self-assembly of Cu-POM in BME converted endogenous H O to toxic ·OH through chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and generated a mild PTT effect to induce bacterial metabolic exuberance, resulting in loosening the membrane structure of the bacteria, enhancing copper transporter activity and increasing intracellular Cu-POM flux. Metabolomics revealed that intracellular Cu-POM overload restricted the TCA cycle and peroxide accumulation, promoting bacterial cuproptosis-like death. CDT re-rousing macrophages scavenge planktonic bacteria escaping biofilm disintegration through enhanced chemotaxis and phagocytosis. Overall, BME-responsive Cu-POM promoted bacterial cuproptosis-like death via metabolic interference, while also re-rousing macrophage immune response for further planktonic bacteria elimination, resulting in all-stage BAI clearance and providing a new reference for future clinical application. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.