Bacteria-responsive antimicrobial and hemostatic cellulose-based dressing for wound treatments

Microbial infection in open wounds can delay healing and lead to severe complications. This study introduces a bacterial-responsive cellulose-based fabric wound dressing (Fabric-PAC) with integrated antimicrobial and hemostatic functions. Fabric-PAC is chemically modified with polyphosphate (PolyP) and low-dose silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and further functionalized with a phthalocyanine-based photosensitizer via supramolecular interactions on surface. Upon contact with bacteria, the photosensitizer is displaced, exposing PolyP to initiate blood coagulation and platelet-deriven tissue remodeling, promoting wound healing. Simultaneously, AgNPs are also exposed to provede sustained bacteriostasis. Moreover, the positively charged photosensitizer tightly attaches on the bacterial surface, and triggers the antimicrobial photodynamic effect upon illumination, rapidly eliminating pathogens. This study not only introduces a bacteria-responsive wound dressing with synergistic antimicrobial and hemostatic effects, but also offers a new strategy for the functionalization of cellulose-based materials.