On-Demand Switching of a pH/ROS-Responsive Ce Single-Atom Nanozyme Spray for Infected Wounds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Infected wound healing is complicated by changing pathological conditions.
• Current treatments are static and cannot adapt to dynamic wound environments.
• A need exists for adaptive therapeutic strategies in wound management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a dual-responsive cerium single-atom nanozyme spray for infected wound treatment.
• To create a nanozyme that adapts its therapeutic activity based on the wound microenvironment.
• To offer an "on-demand switching" strategy for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Main Methods:

• Development of a pH/reactive oxygen species (ROS) dual-responsive cerium single-atom nanozyme.
• Utilizing cascade glucose oxidase (GOD)- and peroxidase (POD)-like activities for ROS generation in acidic conditions.
• Employing superoxide dismutase (SOD)- and catalase (CAT)-like activities for ROS scavenging in neutral conditions.

Main Results:

• The nanozyme spray demonstrated potent antibacterial activity by generating ROS in acidic environments.
• The nanozyme successfully switched to ROS-scavenging activities in neutral pH, reducing inflammation.
• The adaptive "on-demand switching" mechanism effectively managed the dynamic wound microenvironment.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanozyme spray provides a microenvironment-dependent adaptive therapeutic strategy for infected wounds.
• This innovative approach facilitates seamless transitions between antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions.
• The dual-responsive nanozyme offers a novel solution for dynamic wound healing challenges.