An intelligent ZIF-based nanoplatform for photothermal/chemodynamic-induced combination therapy with O2 evolution properties for improved infected wound regeneration

Abstract

The bacteria and the damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly contribute to the delayed healing of infected skin wounds. Photothermal therapy (PTT), as a promising antibacterial platform, has the ability to reduce bacterial colonization and infection, eliminate ROS, alleviate inflammation, and expedite the process of wound healing. In this study, a multifunctional ZIF-based nanosystem was developed in a facile and one-pot manner, leveraging the unique properties of Cu ions, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), and β-sitosterol (BSTL) (abbreviated as BSTL–O₂–Cu–ZIF) to provide a comprehensive solution for wound healing. The nanosystem exhibited excellent nanozyme activity, resulting in potent antibacterial effects beneficial for wound healing. Furthermore, our findings confirmed that the BSTL–O₂–Cu–ZIF nanosystem can release oxygen via Fenton-like reactions, enhancing the efficiency of wound healing. Moreover, the Cu-doped nanoplatforms displayed effective photothermal capacity, which not only endowed the nanostructures with antibacterial properties but also positively influenced the healing process, as confirmed by histomorphological examinations. These results indicate that the BSTL–O₂–Cu–ZIF nanosystem can efficiently promote skin incision closure and accelerate infected wound healing, making it a promising solution for wound care.