Light-driven host-guest supramolecular transport engineering an antibacterial trap switch

Inspired by nature's sophisticated use of light energy, we report a bioinspired antibacterial trap switch operating without exogenous competitors. This work engineers a light-gated supramolecular system where host-guest conformational reorganization between cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) and dicationic symmetric azobenzene derivative (Azo- E ) enables precise control over antimicrobial agent release. Upon ultraviolet (UV) irradiation triggers E - Z isomerization, enhancing its binding affinity to CB[8] and resulting in steric displacement of the encapsulated antibacterial agent through conformational reorganization. This system achieves >99.9% bacterial eradication, supports reversible switching across four conventional antibacterial agents, and reduces mammalian cell cytotoxicity. Spray-coatable on different biomaterial surfaces, it demonstrates spatial precision for localized disinfection. This molecular engineering establishes a general platform for spatiotemporally precise regulation of bioactive cargoes, enabling adaptive supramolecular systems with infection control.