A multifunctional eutectogel loaded with baicalein and MXene for diabetic infected wound healing under mild photothermal conditions

Abstract

Chronic diabetic wounds are difficult to treat due to persistent hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and bacterial infections. Antibiotic therapy is prone to drug resistance, and likewise, photothermal therapy suffers from the risk of thermal injury to surrounding healthy tissues. This study developed a polyacrylic acid (PAA)-based eutectogel (EG) loaded with baicalein (BAI) and MXene nanosheets (BAI–MXene/PAA EG), which integrates multiple functions including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and pro-angiogenic properties. MXene generated a low-temperature photothermal effect at ca. 45 °C under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. The incorporation of baicalein further improved the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the eutectogel with desired biosafety and biocompatibility. BAI–MXene/PAA EG exhibited excellent antibacterial performance against multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli and MDR S. aureus, with bacterial survival rates as low as 0.03% and 0.22%, respectively. In addition, BAI–MXene/PAA EG promoted the proliferation of HUVECs and HaCaT cells and effectively scavenged intracellular ROS. In vivo studies confirmed that BAI–MXene/PAA EG promoted cell proliferation and induced angiogenesis. By combining nanomaterials with active components from traditional Chinese medicine, this research provides new insights into the future development of wound dressings and holds great potential in the clinical treatment of diabetic infected wounds.