Self-pumping hierarchical porous sponge with fluid management and antimicrobial properties for enhancing wound healing

Abstract

Conventional dressings are ineffective in preventing bacterial infections and exudate, thereby hindering wound healing. In this study, a Janus self-pumping dressing with antimicrobial activity was designed that can discharge excess exudate unidirectionally, effectively promoting wound healing and avoiding bacterial infection. The Janus self-pumping sponge dressings rely on its asymmetric wettability and hierarchical pore microstructure to provide capillary force, pumping excess exudate from the hydrophobic side to the hydrophilic side to prevent exudate reflux and rewetting the wound. The antibacterial nanoparticles loaded during the formation of hydrophobic surfaces can prevent bacterial infection, thereby promoting wound healing more effectively than traditional dressings. The dressing exhibited sustained antibacterial efficacy (>95 % inhibition against bacteria within 48 h), significantly mitigating wound infection risks. In murine full-thickness wound models, compared with sterile gauze group, the Janus self-pumping dressing achieved rapid exudate management and antibacterial performance, thereby accelerating wound healing. Therefore, this self-pumping dressing with unique fluid management capability has great potential to become the next generation of clinical wound healing dressings.