Bacterial infection in skin and soft tissue has emerged as a critical concern. Overreliance on antibiotic therapy has led to numerous challenges, including the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and adverse drug reactions. It is imperative to develop non-antibiotic treatment strategies that not only exhibit potent antibacterial properties but also promote rapid wound healing and demonstrate biocompatibility. Herein, a novel multimodal synergistic antibacterial system (SNO-CS@MoS₂) was developed. This system employs easily surface-modified thin-layer MoS₂ as photothermal agents and loaded with S-nitrosothiol-modified chitosan (SNO-CS) via electrostatic interactions, thus realizing the combination of NO gas therapy and photothermal therapy (PTT). Furthermore, this surface modification renders SNO-CS@MoS₂ highly stable and capable of binding with bacteria. Through PTT’s thermal energy, SNO-CS@MoS₂ rapidly generates massive NO, collaborating with PTT to achieve antibacterial effects. This synergistic therapy can swiftly disrupt the bacterial membrane, causing protein leakage and ATP synthesis function damage, ultimately eliminating bacteria. Notably, after effectively eliminating all bacteria, the residual SNO-CS@MoS₂ can create trace NO to promote fibroblast migration, proliferation, and vascular regeneration, thereby accelerating wound healing. This study concluded that SNO-CS@MoS₂, a novel multifunctional nanomaterial with outstanding antibacterial characteristics and potential to promote wound healing, has promising applications in infected soft tissue wound treatment.

Overcoming challenges in drug targeting and modulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment are critical for treating chronic bacterial infections, which are often characterized by intracellular bacteria and biofilms. To overcome these barriers, we report a multifunctional nanomedicine (CpE@BMV). The prodrug conjugate (CpE), composed of two phenylboronic acid-modified ciprofloxacin (Cip-pba) molecules and ellagic acid (Ea), self-assembles due to its hydrophobic nature and π–π stacking. Bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs) derived from Escherichia coli aid in CpE assembly and structural stabilization. Upon administration, pathogen-associated molecular patterns on CpE@BMV engage toll-like receptors on macrophages, activating these cells and enhancing their phagocytic response. Once internalized, CpE responds to elevated intracellular H₂O₂ levels, releasing Cip to eliminate intracellular bacteria. Additionally, Ea scavenges excess reactive oxygen species in inflamed macrophages and modulates the expression of inflammatory factors, preventing an exaggerated inflammatory response. The CpE@BMV formulation also penetrates biofilms, eliminating bacteria and releasing antigens. These antigens are transported to draining lymph nodes, where they induce dendritic cell maturation and trigger a robust T and B cell-mediated immune response, helping restore immune balance and combat pathogens effectively in female mouse models. Therefore, our CpE@BMV provide an efficient strategy combining chemical and immunological therapies for chronic bacterial infection management.

Objective: : To determine the timing of treatment for the labial inversely impacted maxillary central incisors. Methods: : Twenty-eight patients (mean age, 8.2 years) with labial inversely impacted maxillary central incisors were divided into early-treated and later-treated groups according to their dental age. All of the patients were treated with a combination of surgery and orthodontic traction using the Guide rod appliance. Cone-beam computed tomography images were taken immediately after treatment for assessing the root morphology, root length, and alveolar bone loss. Sagittal slices were evaluated at the widest labial-lingual width of the tooth in the axial view. All variables were evaluated by Simplant 13.0 software (Materialise Dental NV, Leuven, Belgium). Results: : The rank sum test indicated that the root length of two groups showed a statistically significant difference between the impacted and homonym tooth, with a shorter length in the impacted tooth ( P < .05). The D -value (difference of root length between the impacted and homonym tooth) and alveolar bone loss on the labial side of the impacted incisor are significantly less in the early-treated groups when compared with the later-treated groups ( P < .05). Spearman rank correlation analysis showed a statistically positive association between the treatment timing and D -value ( r = .623, P < .05). The chi-square test for morphology of root apex indicated that the incidence of the root-apex-directed labial side is significantly higher in the later-treated groups when compared with the early-treated groups. Conclusion: : The labial inversely impacted maxillary central incisors should be treated early to promote root development by achieving a better morphology of root apex, thus reducing the risk of alveolar bone loss on the labial side.