G-Quadruplex/Hemin DNAzyme-Functionalized Silver Nanoclusters with Synergistic Antibacterial and Wound Healing...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Managing infected wounds presents a challenge, requiring simultaneous antibacterial action and promotion of tissue repair.
• Existing treatments often struggle to balance anti-infection efficacy with wound healing capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional silver nanocluster (AgNCs)-based hydrogel dressing for infected wound management.
• To investigate the combined anti-infection and wound healing properties of the novel AgNCs hydrogel.

Main Methods:

• Designed a diblock DNA functionalized with cytosine-rich and guanine-rich fragments for AgNCs template and G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme (G4/hemin) formation.
• Investigated the synergistic effects of AgNCs and G4/hemin on bacterial killing, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and macrophage polarization.
• Assessed the release of hemin and its role in upregulating heme oxygenase-1 to mitigate silver cytotoxicity.

Main Results:

• The G4/hemin component accelerated silver ion release and generated ROS, enhancing antibacterial activity.
• AgNCs demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, promoting M1 to M2 macrophage polarization for wound healing.
• Hemin release upregulated heme oxygenase-1, reducing silver-induced cytotoxicity and improving biosafety.

Conclusions:

• The developed AgNCs-based hydrogel dressing offers a dual approach for infected wound treatment, addressing both infection and healing.
• The multifunctional design ensures potent therapeutic efficacy with excellent biosafety, overcoming current treatment dilemmas.