A dual biomarker-targeting probe enables signal-on surface labeling of Staphylococcus aureus.

Imaging or killing of a specific pathogen is of significance for precise therapy. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an infectious gram-positive bacteria relying on Sortase A (SrtA) to anchor cell surface protein on peptidoglycan. We herein report signal-on labeling of S. aureus with self-quenched optical probes featuring vancomycin-conjugated SrtA substrate that is flanked by a dabcyl moiety paired with either fluorescein or eosine photosensizer (PS). SrtA-mediated cleavage of the substrate motif releases the dabcyl quencher, leading to covalent labeling of peptidoglycan with fluorescein or PS of restored photophysical property. The dual biomarked-enabled peptidoglycan labeling enables signal-on imaging and effective photodynamic destruction of S. aureus, suggesting a protheranostic approch activatable to SrtA-positive bacteria engaged in myriad diseases.