Lactoferrin-Templated Silver Peroxide Nanoparticles Reinforced Core-Shell Microneedle for Diabetic Infected Wound...

Diabetic wounds, prone to infection and delayed healing, represent a major clinical challenge. Traditional nanosilver-based antibacterial agents remain challenging, including complex preparation, tendency to agglomerate, and poor biocompatibility. Herein, we synthesized lactoferrin-silver oxide nanoparticles (LF-Ag₂O₂ NPs) via a one-step biomimetic mineralization method using lactoferrin (LF) as a dispersant. This approach significantly improved the dispersibility, stability, and biocompatibility of Ag₂O₂ NPs while enabling synergistic antibacterial activity. Furthermore, we developed a core-shell microneedle patch (LAg&FGF@CP MN) for programmed drug release to achieve sequential treatment of diabetic wounds. The patch employs a layered loading strategy: the shell layer of the microneedle releases LF-Ag₂O₂ NPs rapidly in the acidic wound microenvironment, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ag⁺ that act synergistically with LF to eliminate bacteria efficiently; The inner core layer of the microneedle degrades upon exposure to ROS, slowly releasing fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). This promotes cell proliferation, M2 macrophage polarization, and angiogenesis to facilitate tissue regeneration. This programmed drug delivery system effectively disrupts the "infection-inflammation" vicious cycle and significantly accelerates diabetic wound healing. Collectively, this work offered a novel and efficient strategy for managing refractory diabetic wounds.