A Multifunctional CeO₂-Modified Dual-Network Freeze-Dried Sponge for Infected Wound Healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Bacterial-infected wounds impede healing via inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Conventional dressings lack integrated antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory functions.
• Complex wound environments require advanced therapeutic solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional freeze-dried sponge for infected wound management.
• To evaluate the sponge's antibacterial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects.
• To assess its efficacy in promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a freeze-dried dual-network sponge using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and cerium oxide (CeO2) in a silver ion carboxymethyl agarose (CMA-Ag) matrix.
• Assessment of the sponge's physical properties, including water absorption and compressive strength.
• Evaluation of antibacterial activity, oxidative stress mitigation, and inflammatory regulation in infected wound models.
• Investigation of the underlying immunomodulatory mechanisms involving neutrophil and macrophage polarization via the TLR/NF-κB pathway.

Main Results:

• The developed sponge demonstrated excellent water absorption and mechanical strength.
• The material exhibited potent antibacterial efficacy against wound pathogens.
• Significant mitigation of oxidative stress and continuous regulation of the inflammatory microenvironment were observed.
• Promotion of neutrophil N2 polarization and subsequent M2 macrophage polarization accelerated epithelialization and angiogenesis.
• The freeze-dried sponge offers advantages in storage, customization, and availability.

Conclusions:

• The multifunctional freeze-dried sponge effectively manages infected wounds by integrating antibacterial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory functions.
• The sponge promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration through targeted immune cell polarization.
• This innovative material presents a promising, convenient, and personalized solution for clinical application in complex wound care.