A near-infrared responsive hydrogel loaded with Prussian blue-based nanocarriers for CO gas therapy of infected wounds

Abstract

Infected wounds present difficulties in healing on account of persistent infection and inflammation, imbalance in the local microenvironment, as well as antibiotic resistance. Although carbon monoxide (CO) has the effect of inhibiting bacterial growth and reproduction, anti-inflammatory and promoting cell proliferation and differentiation, it faces major challenges to achieve its safe, effective and controlled release. Thereby, a Prussian blue (PB)-based nanocarrier loaded with CO-releasing molecules (CORMs) was prepared and encapsulated in a hydrogel for gas therapy of infected wounds. CO released under the trigger of near-infrared (NIR) light, along with the active factor polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN), plays a role in immunomodulation and promoting tissue proliferation. Simultaneously, CO and cationic-enhanced carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), which constitute the hydrogel matrix, exerted an antibacterial function. In models of infected wounds, a rapid and high-quality wound healing was detected.