Hydrothermally Transformed Multifunctional Proteinaceous Nanoparticle Biosealant with Intrinsic Light-Responsive Redox Cycling for Self-Sterilizing and Accelerated Wound Healing

Abstract

Mouldable tissue sealants with optimal adhesion and cohesion remain an active research focus, with limited commercial options and none offering intrinsic therapeutic benefits. We report a novel proteinaceous nanoparticle (PNP)-based nanosealant developed via a green hydrothermal crosslinked polymerization (HTCP) route that co-nanotizes gelatin and acrylamide into a multifunctional core–shell architecture. Subsequent tannic acid grafting tailors photophysical properties, enhances carbonization for optimized adhesion–cohesion balance, and imparts redox regulatory functionality. The resulting sealant displays intrinsic blue fluorescence for real-time tissue tracking and low-intensity visible-light activation (40 W white LED) for on-demand reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, enabling rapid photodynamic inactivation of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, the sealant demonstrates ambient ROS scavenging, enabling precise oxidative stress control without external agents. In vivo rabbit studies establish PNP sealant as a pro-sealing material (~1.48 MPa strength) that heals wounds within a week outperforming both commercial variants and traditional suturing with complete closure within a week, by promoting collagen deposition, fibroblast alignment, and organized vascular remodelling. This scalable, low-cost synthesis transforms regenerative substrates into a light-responsive, multifunctional bio-nanosealant, highlighting significant potential as a next-generation platform for wound management and beyond.