Dihydromyricetin-loaded cerium oxide nanoparticles promote deep burn wound healing

Burn is a common form of trauma, and the treatment of burn wounds remains the focus of clinical research. Dihydromyricetin (DMY) exhibits biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing promotion, On the other hand, cerium oxide (CeO_₂) demonstrates excellent redox properties. This study developed dihydromyricetin-loaded cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO_₂@DMY) to investigate their impact on deep burn wound healing. CeO_₂@APTES was synthesized by a hydrothermal method, followed by covalent modification to load DMY, forming the CeO_₂@DMY complexes.In vitroexperiments assessed the antioxidant capacity, antibacterial efficacy, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory activity of CeO_₂@DMY.In vivoexperiments involved subcutaneous injection of CeO_₂@DMY into rat burn wounds to evaluate its effects on wound healing. CeO_₂@DMY exhibited potent antioxidant and antibacterial capabilitiesin vitro. It enhanced fibroblast viability and effectively scavenged reactive oxygen species.In vivo, CeO_₂@DMY accelerated wound closure. Histological analysis revealed reduced inflammatory infiltration, increased connective tissue and neovascularization, elevated collagen deposition, and improved collagen alignment in the CeO_₂@DMY group. Immunohistochemistry confirmed significantly upregulated expression of CD31 andα-SMA. CeO_₂@DMY integrates antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory functions, enables sustained drug release, and promotes burn wound healing. It presents a promising therapeutic strategy for deep burn injuries.