A multifunctional trap-capture-kill antibacterial system for enhanced wound healing via modified decellularized mushroom aerogels

Abstract

Wound infections are prevalent and can result in prolonged healing times. In this study, we referred to the “trap-capture-kill” antibacterial strategy to create a wound dressing (DS/PDA@GO-L) by coupling graphene oxide (GO) with lysine and coating it onto the decellularized mushroom stem (DS) using polydopamine (PDA). The mechanism of action of the bacteria-killing process involves lysine chemotaxis and the siphoning effect of DS aerogel, with the process of killing the bacteria being initiated via near-infrared photothermal treatment. In vitro studies demonstrated that DS/PDA@GO-L exhibited excellent blood and cell compatibility, while in vivo experiments revealed its remarkable efficacy in combating bacterial infections. Specifically, the combination of DS/PDA@GO-L with photothermal therapy led to the elimination of over 95 % of S. aureus, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, the aerogel, when used in conjunction with photothermal therapy, significantly reduced bacterial infection at the wound site and accelerated wound healing. During the wound's proliferative phase, it notably enhanced vascularization and extracellular matrix deposition. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining revealed that bacterial clearance led to a reduction in pro-inflammatory responses and a decrease in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby restoring the wound's inflammatory environment to a pro-regenerative state. Taken together, the developed DS/PDA@GO-L holds great potential in the field of infected skin wound healing.