Dual-antibacterial nano-sheet synergizes resveratrol delivery for burn regeneration

In the field of burn treatment, where infected wound sites face critical challenges such as inadequate antimicrobial efficacy and impaired tissue regeneration, developing multifunctional strategies that synergize antibacterial activity and regenerative promotion remains an urgent need. Here, we developed a zinc ion (Zn²⁺) and 2,2′-azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)propane] (AIP)-based antibacterial nano-carrier (ZIP) for co-delivering resveratrol (Res) and indocyanine green (ICG) (R/I@ZIP) for burn regeneration. The ZIP platform demonstrates dual intrinsic antibacterial mechanisms through sustained Zn²⁺ release and free radical generation, effectively overcoming resveratrol's inherent antimicrobial limitations. Notably, R/I@ZIP employs thermodynamic therapy mediated by ICG instead of conventional photothermal approaches, eliminating the risks of thermal damage that cause secondary tissue injury. The system exhibits pH-responsive drug release behavior, accelerating resveratrol release in acidic wound environments to synergistically enhance fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and tissue regeneration. In murine models of infected burn wounds, R/I@ZIP demonstrated superior therapeutic outcomes through combined antimicrobial action and regenerative promotion. This work presents a paradigm-shifting multifunctional platform that integrates intrinsic therapeutic properties with drug delivery capabilities, while overcoming the weak antimicrobial ability of resveratrol in burn management.