A Novel Photo-Responsive and Platelet-Compatible Strategy Based on Fe3O4-QCS-PEI-Cu and Aptamer for Targeted Inactivation of Bacterial Contaminants in Platelets

Abstract

Bacterial contamination remains a critical safety concern in platelet transfusion, and there is an urgent demand for decontamination technologies that eliminate contaminating bacteria without damaging platelet viability and physiological function. Herein, Fe3O4-QCS-PEI-Cu-apt microparticles with enlarged magnetic cores were rationally fabricated to improve aptamer immobilization, aiming at targeted bacterial elimination via near-infrared (NIR) irradiation while maintaining platelet function. Fluorescence assays confirmed their specific targeting capability toward Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) without binding to platelets. Magnetic separation experiments demonstrated that the aptamer-functionalized microparticles could efficiently capture and remove 91.35% of S. aureus from platelets. NIR irradiation of the Fe3O4-QCS-PEI-Cu core induced marked bactericidal activity against S. aureus in suspension, as determined by plate counting and LIVE/DEAD staining. This antibacterial ability originated from the intrinsic photo-responsive property of the composite rather than from aptamer-mediated recognition, and could be easily extended to bacteria captured by aptamer-functionalized particles. Comprehensive biocompatibility evaluations, including morphological observation, hematological parameter analysis, CD62P expression detection, and thromboelastography (TEG) were performed. And the results demonstrated that there were no significant changes in platelet morphology, count, activation state, or overall hemostatic function, apart from an increase in the α angle. This platform achieves efficient targeted NIR-triggered antibacterial efficacy while maintaining excellent platelet compatibility, offering a promising strategy to enhance the safety of platelet transfusion.