Zn⁰@ZIF-8 activated O₂ for H₂O₂ generation: synergistic bacteria deactivation and wound healing

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) exhibits significant potential in antimicrobial applications due to its broad-spectrum biocidal activity. However, its widespread utilization is limited by stringent storage requirements, concentration-dependent efficacy, and transient bactericidal action. Herein, Zinc@Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (Zn⁰@ZIF-8), synthesized via a facile stirring-physical grinding method, enabled the in-situ generation of substantial H₂O₂ through the two-electron (2e^-) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The galvanic corrosion of Zn⁰ in Zn⁰@ZIF-8 facilitated simultaneous in-situ H₂O₂ production and Zn²⁺ release, leading to synergistic enhancement of antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-inflammatory effects. When applied to treat the full-thickness skin defects, this material promoted rapid angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and skin regeneration. This study provided new insights into antibacterial therapy and demonstrated promising potential for future clinical applications.