The versatile nanocomposite wound dressing with zinc replenishment, and enhanced photothermal and fluorescent performance for accelerating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-infected diabetic wound repair and indicating dressing replacement

Bacterial infection and excessive inflammation are key factors contributing to the difficulty of healing diabetic wounds. Therefore, the development of a wound dressing that effectively fights bacterial infections, and addresses the challenges of long-term inflammation and repair difficulties is essential in clinical practice. Herein, a multifunctional ZnAuNDs@hydrogel (ZAN@HG) nanocomposite wound dressing capable of releasing zinc ions, and enhanced fluorescent and photothermal performance was developed to promote methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-infected diabetic wounds healing. The nanocomposite hydrogel also indicates in real-time with dressing replacement is required. The synergistic mechanism of enhanced-photothermal therapy (PTT) and zinc supplementation of ZAN@HG nanocomposite, can efficiently accelerate wound healing. Its excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, along with the ability to regulate cell migration, promote collagen deposition, and enhance angiogenesis, make it an ideal adjunct for diabetic wound treatment. Moreover, the fluorescent nanocomposite can serve as a “dashboard” for intelligent self-monitoring, indicating the residual level of therapeutic agents in the dressing. The variation in fluorescence intensity is visually discernible, providing medical staff with a clear visual cue of the need for dressing replacement, thus effectively mitigating secondary wound damage. This work provides a promising strategy for the treatment of clinical diabetic wounds, and the intelligent self-monitoring of residual drug in the dressing.