Photo‐Activated Nanofibrous Membrane with Self‐Rechargeable Antibacterial Function for Stubborn Infected Cutaneous Regeneration

Abstract

For quick disinfection treatment, phototherapy, including photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy, has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional methods. However, the bactericidal effect of phototherapy, which only works upon light, is short‐lived. The remaining bacteria in situ may repopulate when the irradiation of light is withdrawn. To address this refractory concern, an antibacterial fibrous membrane consisting of electrospun poly (polycaprolactone) scaffolds and polydopamine (pDA) coated MXene/Ag3PO4 bioheterojunctions (MX@AgP bio‐HJs) is devised and developed. Upon near‐infrared (NIR) illumination, the MX@AgP nanoparticle (NP) in nanofibrous electrospun membranes exert the excellent bactericidal effect of phototherapy and release Ag+ ions which stop the remaining bacteria from multiplying in the dark state. When removing NIR light, pDA in situ reduces Ag+ ions to Ag0 NPs to realize the self‐rechargeability of Ag+ ions and provides enough Ag+ ions for the second phototherapy. In vivo results show that photoactivated nanofibrous membranes can re‐shape an infected wound microenvironment to the regenerative microenvironment through killing bacteria, ceasing bleeding, increasing epithelialization, and collagen deposition on the wound bed, as well as promoting angiogenesis. As predicted, the proposal work offers potential prospects for nanofibrous membranes with NIR‐assisted “self‐rechargeable” antibacterial properties to treat bacteria‐infected full‐thickness wounds.

Antibacterial PDT nanoplatform capable of releasing therapeutic gas for synergistic and enhanced treatment against deep infections

“…Once the intruders are not cleared, the immune response are over-reactive, leading to damage the tissue 67 . Thereby, bacteria elimination is more critical for the healing process 68 , 69 .…”

Recent Advancements on Photothermal Conversion and Antibacterial Applications over MXenes-Based Materials

“…Skin, serving as the largest organ and the first line of body defense, maintains stability in the interior environment when faced with external threats [ 147 ]. Nonetheless, infected dermis wounds may cause pain, amputations or even death and have emerged as one of the severest threats to global health security [ 27 ]. Sponge, bandages, and gauze are the most routinely used wound dressings, and they possess ordinary functions by forming a physical parclose or assimilating exudate.…”

“…MXenes@PVA hydrogel exhibited high toughness, anisotropy, and antimicrobial properties, hinting it could be an attractive dressing for antibacterial wound healing. In addition to the above composites, Ti 3 C 2 T x /Ag 3 PO 4 [27], Ti 3 C 2 T x /MoS 2 [149], Ti 3 C 2 T x / Bi 2 S 3 [16], Ti 3 C 2 T x /Ag [41], and Nb 2 C [150] have all shown promising prospects for in vivo wound healing; the research progress could be found in Table 4.…”

“…Profoundly, the appropriate design and modification of MXenes could tune their light absorption performances [ 41 ], postpone the recombination of electrons and holes for promoting ROS generation [ 25 ], and improve the unique localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) effect for enhanced photo-to-thermal conversion [ 42 ]. MXenes with low cytotoxicity and high biocompatibility are also excellent platforms for in vivo therapy, such as bacterial infection treatment, re-epithelialization acceleration, and granulation tissue formation, which vastly ameliorates the therapeutic efficacy with respect to traditional bandages [ 22 , 27 ]. Moreover, profiting from their desired merits, including hydrophilicity, high aspect ratio morphology, and metallic conductivity, when MXenes are incorporated into thin film or hydrogel systems, they offer versatile potentials to design MXenes-based antibacterial soft materials with tunable properties [ 43 , 44 ].…”

“…Various photothermal materials have been exploited and designed, such as carbon-based materials [27], noble metal nanoparticles [28], conjugated polymers [29], and metal-organic frameworks [30]. Among these candidates, MXenes have stood out due to the high aspect ratio, atomicthin thickness, excellent photothermal performance, low toxicity, and ultrahigh dispersibility in aqueous systems [31][32][33][34].…”