TWEAK-Conjugated Selenoviologen as a Novel Photosensitizer for Selective Wound Accumulation and Synergistic Healing of Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections

The study presents a new photosensitizer, selenoviologen-TWEAK conjugate (SeV-Tp), which enhances wound healing in antibiotic-resistant infections. Activated by visible light, SeV-Tp generates reactive oxygen species with strong antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It targets the Fn14 receptor in wound tissues, promoting fibroblast activation and tissue repair. In a mouse model with Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected wounds, SeV-Tp accelerated healing by reducing bacterial load, modulating the immune response, enhancing collagen deposition, and stimulating hair follicle regeneration. The compound accumulates in wound tissues with minimal side effects, indicating its potential as an effective treatment for difficult-to-heal wounds.