Synergistic Antibacterial Strategy of AIEgens Photosensitizer CPTQ for Photodynamic Therapy and Ferroptosis-like Bacterial Death to Prevent Dental Caries

Dental caries, primarily caused by Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilms, remains a global health concern. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has shown promise in controlling cariogenic bacteria by generating Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), but the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect of traditional photosensitizers limits its efficacy. In this study, we developed a novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE) Photosensitizer, CPTQ, with an enhanced photodynamic Antibacterial efficacy and intrinsic Antibacterial properties. CPTQ exhibited superior ROS generation, effective Bacterial labeling, and strong membrane anchoring, leading to a significant disruption of Bacterial membrane homeostasis and interference with Bacterial metabolism. Moreover, CPTQ induced ferroptosis-like Bacterial death by triggering lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress, providing a synergistic Antibacterial strategy. In vitro results demonstrated that CPTQ effectively inhibited S. mutans growth, while in vivo studies in a rat dental caries model showed significant reductions in cariogenic Bacterial load and caries progression. Given its excellent biocompatibility and dual Antibacterial mechanisms, CPTQ offers a promising and innovative strategy for the prevention and treatment of dental caries.

Streptococcus mutans; aggregation-induced emission luminogens; antimicrobial photodynamic therapy; dental caries; photosensitizers.