Light-stimulated smart thermo-responsive constructs for enhanced wound healing: A streamlined command approach

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Photothermal Therapy

Background:

• Severe cutaneous wounds require effective matrix remodeling and antimicrobial strategies for efficient healing.
• Current treatments often lack integrated approaches for simultaneous matrix regeneration and infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer a near-infrared light (NIR)-stimulated, thermo-responsive bilayer system for enhanced severe cutaneous wound reconstruction.
• To develop a system that promotes cell ingrowth, matrix remodeling, and provides antibacterial protection.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a bilayer system comprising a bFGF-loaded thermo-responsive hydrogel (matrix layer) and an antibacterial nanofibrous mat (top layer).
• Utilized polydopamine-Cu2+ coated short nanofibers for photothermal effect triggering controlled drug release and antibacterial activity.
• Incorporated poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone) nanofibers functionalized with lysine-doped polydopamine and poly-l-lysine for enhanced antibacterial properties.

Main Results:

• NIR stimulation induced a rapid temperature increase, triggering hydrogel gel-sol transition and controlled release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).
• The system demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus upon NIR activation.
• In vivo studies showed prevention of S. aureus infection, regulated neovascularization, and facilitated collagen remodeling for improved skin regeneration.

Conclusions:

• The developed NIR-responsive smart bilayer system offers a promising strategy for severe cutaneous wound healing.
• The system effectively integrates photothermal-triggered drug delivery, cell-matrix remodeling, and antibacterial functions.
• This approach holds potential for advancing regenerative medicine applications in wound care.