NIR‐Light Activable 3D Printed Platform Nanoarchitectured with Electrospun Plasmonic Filaments for On Demand Treatment of Infected Wounds

This study shows the development of multi-functional 3D printed hydrogel composite for infected wound healing. Drug- and AuNRs-loaded polymeric short-filaments can, on demand, deliver the anti-inflammatory drug and eradicate the bacteria. In vivo shows that material promotes bacterial eradication, reduces inflammation, and induces vascularization, accelerating wound healing and highlighting its therapeutic potential.

Abstract

Bacterial infections can lead to severe complications that adversely affect wound healing. Thus, the development of effective wound dressings has become a major focus in the biomedical field, as current solutions remain insufficient for treating complex, particularly chronic wounds. Designing an optimal environment for healing and tissue regeneration is essential. This study aims to optimize a multi-functional 3D printed hydrogel for infected wounds. A dexamethasone (DMX)-loaded electrospun mat, incorporated with gold nanorods (AuNRs), is structured into short filaments (SFs). The SFs are 3D printed into gelatine methacrylate (GelMA) and sodium alginate (SA) scaffold. The photo-responsive AuNRs within SFs significantly enhanced DXM release when exposed to near-infrared (NIR) light. The material exhibits excellent photothermal properties, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity under NIR irradiation, effectively eliminating Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in vitro. In vivo, material combined with NIR light treatment facilitate infectes wound healing, killing S. aureus bacteria, reduced inflammation, and induced vascularization. The final materials’ shape can be adjusted to the skin defect, release the anti-inflammatory DXM on-demand, provide antimicrobial protection, and accelerate the healing of chronic wounds.