pH-Responsive Wound Dressing Based on Biodegradable CuP Nanozymes for Treating Infected and Diabetic Wounds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Nanozymes offer enzyme-like activity for wound healing by modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS).
• Single ROS regulation by nanozymes is often insufficient for complex chronic wounds.
• Developing multifunctional wound dressings is crucial for effective wound management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional wound dressing integrating alginate hydrogel with a copper hydrogen phosphate (CuP) nanozyme.
• To investigate the wound healing capabilities of the engineered composite hydrogel for both infected and diabetic wounds.
• To explore the synergistic effects of photothermal conversion, sustained copper ion release, and pH-responsive catalytic activity.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of alginate (Alg)/copper hydrogen phosphate (CuP) composite hydrogels.
• Evaluation of antibacterial efficacy against planktonic bacteria and biofilms in low pH environments.
• Assessment of angiogenic performance in high pH environments mimicking chronic diabetic wounds.
• Investigation of near-infrared (NIR) irradiation effects on catalytic activity and healing enhancement.

Main Results:

• The Alg/CuP hydrogels showed high bacterial eradication efficacy in acute infected wounds.
• Significant angiogenic performance was observed in chronic diabetic wounds.
• NIR irradiation amplified catalytic activity and copper ion bioactivity, enhancing healing in both wound types.
• The composite hydrogel demonstrated combined antibacterial and tissue regenerative activity.

Conclusions:

• The developed Alg/CuP composite hydrogel is a promising multifunctional wound dressing.
• Synergistic integration of photothermal effects, catalytic activity, and copper ion release enhances wound healing.
• This approach offers a versatile strategy for treating diverse clinical wound applications.