Multilayered Upconversion Nanocomposite-Based Photodynamic Hydrogel Dressings for Wound Sterilizing and Healing

Abstract

Skin wounds are particularly susceptible to bacterial infection, which seriously affects skin healing. Therefore, wound dressing with antibacterial properties is urgently needed for skin trauma treatment. Here, we have designed a hydrogel dressing by utilizing a multilayered upconversion nanocomposite that is constructed by the upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) coated with a mesoporous silica-loaded zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) photosensitizer. The nanocomposite can produce singlet oxygen for photodynamic therapy under 980 nm excitation by luminescent energy resonance transfer between UCNPs and ZnPc, which endows the antibacterial activity during the wound healing process. Furthermore, by utilizing the non-toxic active ester of polyethylene glycol as the cross-linking agent, the nanocomposite is assembled in chitosan to generate the hydrogel dressing, whereas chitosan is considered an ideal material for promoting wound healing. The experiments show that the dressing has good antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Meanwhile, in vivo experiments demonstrate that the antibacterial hydrogel dressing can effectively reduce inflammation and significantly accelerate wound healing due to its low toxicity, deep tissue penetration, good biocompatibility, and strong antibacterial capacity. Such a photodynamic hydrogel dressing designed here would provide a practical application pathway for photodynamic sterilization and treating emergencies as a total solution.

Advancements and applications of upconversion nanoparticles in wound dressings

“…This approach may help in the treatment of infected wounds, as photodynamic therapy can effectively kill bacteria and other pathogens. 12 Real-time monitoring UCNPs can also serve as sensors for monitoring wound healing progress. By incorporating UCNPs into dressings, fluctuations in fluorescence intensity can be correlated with healing status, providing valuable real-time feedback to healthcare professionals.…”

“…This innovative approach endowed the wound dressing with antibacterial potential, contributing significantly to the wound healing process. 12…”

“…For UCNP-based wound dressings to make a significant impact in clinical practice, collaborations between researchers, clinicians, and industry partners are crucial. 12 This collaboration can facilitate the translation of promising laboratory findings into practical applications that meet regulatory standards and address the practical needs of healthcare providers and patients. 171…”

“…This approach may help in the treatment of infected wounds, as photodynamic therapy can effectively kill bacteria and other pathogens. 12…”

Antibacterial, Fatigue-Resistant, and Self-Healing Dressing from Natural-Based Composite Hydrogels for Infected Wound Healing

“…Flourishing advances in biomedical materials have witnessed an ever-growing concept of hydrogel dressings. , Hydrogels, as a class of soft matter, are appealing with the features of high-water uptake, large volume change, good mechanical compliance, and biocompatibility . With an extracellular matrix (ECM)-like microstructure, hydrogels can maintain a moist environment during wound healing and are further used as a platform to load with diverse antibacterial drugs for combating microorganism infection. − Recently, natural-based hydrogel dressings consisting of collagen, chitosan, , alginate, cellulose, etc. have been considered highly competitive candidates for treating infected wounds.…”