CeO₂@Cu_xOS Photocatalyst for Diabetic Wound Healing via Programmable ROS Regulation.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Diabetic wound healing is impaired by bacterial infections and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS).
• Current treatments face challenges in managing the complex wound environment.
• There is a need for advanced therapeutic strategies to address these issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an intelligent ROS-regulating platform for treating infected diabetic wounds.
• To utilize a copper oxysulfide-loaded mesoporous ceria (CeO₂@Cu_xOS) nanocomposite for this purpose.
• To investigate the dual antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the developed material.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of CeO₂@Cu_xOS nanocomposite.
• Evaluation of photocatalytic performance under light illumination.
• In vitro antibacterial studies assessing ROS generation, redox homeostasis disruption, and cuproptosis induction.
• Assessment of ROS scavenging and macrophage polarization in the absence of light.

Main Results:

• CeO₂@Cu_xOS demonstrated enhanced photocatalytic activity due to a narrower bandgap and improved charge separation.
• The nanocomposite exhibited potent antibacterial effects by generating ROS, releasing copper ions, and inducing bacterial cuproptosis.
• In the absence of light, CeO₂@Cu_xOS effectively scavenged ROS and promoted M2 macrophage polarization, reducing inflammation.
• Light stimulus enabled a functional transition from antibacterial to anti-inflammatory activity.

Conclusions:

• CeO₂@Cu_xOS serves as an intelligent ROS-regulating platform for diabetic wound treatment.
• The material offers a light-controlled dual therapeutic approach, combating infection and reducing inflammation.
• This strategy presents a promising alternative for managing chronic diabetic wounds.