Chitin-Assisted Synthesis of CuS Composite Sponge for Bacterial Capture and Near-Infrared-Promoted Healing of Infected Diabetic Wounds

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c07586
• Publication Date: 2024-09-12T18:02:12Z
• Authors: Bichong Luo; Yutong Xiong; Jihai Cai; Ruiyang Jiang; Yujin Li; Changliang Xu; Xiaoying Wang
• Keywords: Wound Healing; Staphylococcus aureus; Infrared Rays; Chitin; Staphylococcal Infections; Bandages; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Mice; Escherichia coli; Wound Infection; Animals; Reactive Oxygen Species; Copper

Diabetic wounds are prone to recurrent infections, often leading to delayed healing. To address this challenge, we developed a chitin-copper sulfide (CuS@CH) composite sponge, which combines bacterial trapping with near-infrared (NIR) activated phototherapy for treating infected diabetic wounds. CuS nanoparticles were synthesized and incorporated in situ within the sponge using a chitin assisted biomineralization strategy. The positively charged chitin surface effectively adhered bacteria, while NIR irradiation of CuS generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) heat and Cu2+ to rapidly damage the trapped bacteria. This synergistic effect resulted in an exceptional antibacterial performance against E. coli (∼99.9%) and S. aureus (∼99.3%). The bactericidal mechanism involved NIR-induced glutathione oxidation, membrane lipid peroxidation, and increased membrane permeability. In diabetic mouse models, the CuS@CH sponge accelerated the wound healing of S. aureus infected wounds by facilitating collagen deposition and reducing inflammation. Furthermore, the sponge demonstrated good biocompatibility. This dual-functional platform integrating bacterial capture and NIR-triggered phototherapy shows promise as an antibacterial wound dressing to promote healing of infected diabetic wound.