Pomegranate-inspired multifunctional nanocomposite wound dressing for intelligent self-monitoring and promoting diabetic wound healing

Diabetic wounds are chronically hard-healing wounds. Bacterial infection, persistent inflammation and impaired angiogenesis are key factors affecting diabetic wound healing. Herein, inspired by pomegranate, Au/Ag nanodots (Au/AgNDs) with fluorescent and photothermal properties were adopted as the pomegranate-like core, and the polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel as the pomegranate-like shell to obtain the multifunctional nanocomposite wound dressing for promoting diabetic wounds healing and real-time self-monitoring the dressing state. On the one hand, the antibacterial and photothermal therapy synergistic strategy based on the nanocomposite has an excellent treatment effect on diabetic wounds by highly antibacterial, anti-inflammation, accelerating collagen deposition and angiogenesis. On the other hand, the nanocomposite can be used as smart messenger to determine the appropriate time for dressing replacement. With the release of Au/AgNDs from the nano -composite, the photothermal performance and antibacterial activity of the wound dressing were reduced, and the fluorescence intensity decreased. The change of fluorescence intensity can be visualized by the naked eye, which guides the appropriate time for dressing replacement, and avoids secondary wound damage caused by frequent and blind dressing replacement. This work provides an effective strategy for the treatment of diabetic wounds and intelligent self-monitoring of the state of dressings in clinical practice.

Automated summary

Inspired by pomegranate, this study developed a multifunctional nanocomposite wound dressing with fluorescent and photothermal properties, using Au/Ag nanodots as the core and polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel as the shell. The dressing showed excellent antibacterial and photothermal therapy effects on diabetic wounds, and could also function as a smart messenger for determining the appropriate time for dressing replacement.