Hybrid therapeutic agents for self-oxygenating wound therapy via infectious microenvironment modulation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Catalysis

Background:

• Artificial enzymes offer therapeutic potential but face synthesis and performance challenges.
• Hierarchical MOF@COF heterostructures present a novel approach to artificial enzyme design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a modular-assembly strategy for creating hierarchical MOF@COF heterostructures.
• To integrate MOF and COF functionalities for enhanced antimicrobial and therapeutic effects.

Main Methods:

• Modular assembly of hierarchical MOF@COF heterostructures via covalent interface engineering.
• Growing a porphyrin-based COF shell on an amino-functionalized Fe-MIL-88A MOF core.
• Characterization of core-shell architecture and heterojunctions.

Main Results:

• Achieved morphology-controlled core-shell MOF@COF architecture with defined heterojunctions.
• Hybrid material exhibits dual MOF peroxidase/catalase-like activities and COF photoactivity.
• MOF@COF converts H2O2 to bactericidal ⋅OH and O2, enhancing photodynamic therapy and alleviating hypoxia.
• Demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and accelerated wound healing.

Conclusions:

• The MOF@COF heterostructure represents a rational design for biocompatible artificial enzymes with synergistic catalytic sites.
• This approach advances self-reinforcing therapeutic strategies for infection treatment.
• The modular assembly bypasses complex monomer synthesis and amplifies functionality.