A Nanoporous Graphene/Nitrocellulose Membrane Beneficial to Wound Healing

Recent advances in cellulose-based antimicrobial films: A review

Cellulose, known as the most abundant natural polymer, has renewability, good film-forming, biodegradability, safety, non-toxicity, etc. It can serve as an excellent carrier or substrate for antibacterial agents. In recent years, cellulose antibacterial membranes have become a research hotspot of new antibacterial materials. Cellulose-based antimicrobial films are extensively applied because of their impressive biocompatibility, antimicrobial performance, and other advantages. They are expected to be an effective alternative to petroleum-based antibacterial films. Therefore, the review focuses on the recent progress in cellulose-based antimicrobial films. First, the most widely used antimicrobial agents are described, along with their antibacterial mechanisms. Secondly, the latest research progress on cellulose-based antimicrobial membranes is summarized from the perspective of cellulose-based materials. The fabrication methods of cellulose-based antimicrobial films are then concluded. Finally, the recent advances in the application of cellulose-based antimicrobial film in food packaging, biomedicine, and water treatment are outlined. Moreover, the prospects are made for the study of cellulose-based antimicrobial films.

Two-dimensional nanomaterials: A multifunctional approach for robust for diabetic wound repair

Diabetic wounds pose a clinical challenge due to persistent inflammation, severe bacterial infections, inadequate vascularization, and pronounced oxidative stress. Current therapeutic modalities fail to provide satisfactory outcomes in managing these conditions, resulting in considerable patient distress. Two-dimensional nanomaterials (2DNMs), characterized by their unique nanosheet structures, expansive surface areas, and remarkable physicochemical properties, have garnered considerable attention for their potential in therapeutic applications. Emerging 2DNMs can be loaded with various pharmacological agents, including small molecules, metal ions, and liposomes. Moreover, they can be integrated with various biomaterials such as hydrogels, microneedles, and microspheres, thus demonstrating unprecedented advantages in expediting the healing process of diabetic wounds. Moreover, 2DNMs exhibit exceptional performance characteristics, including high biocompatibility, effective antimicrobial properties, optimal phototherapeutic effects, and enhanced electrostimulation capabilities. These properties enable them to modulate the wound microenvironment, leading to widespread application in tissue repair with remarkable outcomes. This review delineates several emerging 2DNMs, such as graphene and its derivatives, black phosphorus, MXenes, and transition metal dichalcogenides, in the context of diabetic wound repair. Furthermore, it elucidates the translational challenges and future perspectives of 2DNMs in wound healing treatments. Overall, 2DNMs present a highly promising strategy for ameliorating diabetic wounds, thus providing novel avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in diabetic wound management.

Advancements in employing two-dimensional nanomaterials for enhancing skin wound healing: a review of current practice

The two-dimensional nanomaterials are characterized by their ultra-thin structure, diverse chemical functional groups, and remarkable anisotropic properties. Since its discovery in 2004, graphene has attracted significant scientific interest due to its potential applications in various fields, including electronics, energy systems, and biomedicine. In medicine, graphene is used for designing smart drug delivery systems, especially for antibiotics, and biosensing. Skin trauma is a prevalent dermatological condition that increasingly contributes to morbidities and mortalities, thus representing a significant health burden. During tissue damage, rapid skin repair is crucial to prevent blood loss and infection. Therefore, drugs used for skin trauma must possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials possess remarkable physical, chemical, optical, and biological characteristics due to their uniform shape, increased surface area, and surface charge. Graphene and its derivatives, transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), black phosphorous (BP), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), MXene, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are among the commonly used 2D nanomaterials. Moreover, they exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This review presents a comprehensive discussion of the clinical approaches employed for wound healing treatment and explores the applications of commonly used 2D nanomaterials to enhance wound healing outcomes.

In situ forming double-crosslinked hydrogels with highly dispersed short fibers for the treatment of irregular wounds

In situ forming injectable hydrogels hold great potential for the treatment of irregular wounds. However, their practical applications were hindered by long gelation time, poor mechanical performance, and a lack of a natural extracellular matrix structure. Herein, amino-modified electrospun poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (APLGA) short fibers with uniform distribution were introduced into gelatin methacrylate/oxidized dextran (GM/ODex) hydrogels. In comparison with the fiber aggregation structure in the PLGA fiber-incorporated hydrogels, the hydrogels with APLGA fibers possessed a uniform porous structure. The highly dispersed APLGA short fibers accelerated the sol-gel phase transition of the hydrogel due to the formation of dynamic Schiff-base bonds between the fibers and hydrogels. Furthermore, in combination with UV-assisted crosslinking, a rapid gelation time of 90 s was achieved for the double-crosslinked hydrogels. The addition of APLGA short fibers as fillers and the formation of the double-crosslinking network enhanced the mechanical performance of the hydrogels. Furthermore, the fiber-hydrogel composites exhibited favorable injectability, excellent biocompatibility, and improved cell infiltration. In vivo assessment indicated that the GM/ODex-APLGA hydrogels successfully filled the full-thickness defects and improved wound healing. This work demonstrates a promising solution for the treatment of irregular wounds.

Green- and Red-Emitting Fluorescent Silicon Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Mechanism, and Acid Phosphatase Sensing

Until now, the green and facile synthesis of multicolor fluorescent silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) with favorable biocompatibility for cellular imaging and biosensors is still a challenge. Herein, a facile one-step room temperature method for preparing fluorescent SiNPs displayed different emission wavelengths was reported. Green and red fluorescent SiNPs (G-SiNPs and R-SiNPs) were synthesized by adjusting the concentration of the reducing agent 2,4-diaminophenol hydrochloride when the amount of N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyl]-ethylenediamine was consistent. Characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the results revealed that the G-SiNPs and R-SiNPs were assembled by polymerization of different building blocks, and the emission characteristics of these SiNPs were attributed to the difference in their structural composition and particle size. Interestingly, these fluorescent SiNPs exhibited excellent water solubility, salt tolerance, pH stability, photobleaching resistance, and low cytotoxicity, which facilitated multicolor cell imaging, and further led to these SiNPs were highly attractive in a variety of applications, such as multi-channel sensing and biological imaging. Furthermore, the R-SiNPs have shown the potential to detect acid phosphatase, which is a biomarker of prostate cancer.

Graphene- and Nanoparticle-Embedded Antimicrobial and Biocompatible Cotton/Silk Fabrics for Protective Clothing

Protection against pathogens using personal protective equipment is essential yet challenging in healthcare settings. Concerns over emerging biothreats and outbreaks of infectious diseases underscore the need for antimicrobial and biocompatible protective clothing to protect patients and staff. Herein, we report the antimicrobial efficacy and cytotoxicity of cotton/silk fabrics containing embedded reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and Ag/Cu nanoparticles (NPs), prepared using a 3-glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxy silane coupling agent followed by chemical reduction and vacuum heat treatment. Embedding NPs on top of the RGO layer substantially increased the antimicrobial activity. All RGO-Ag NPs or RGO-Cu NPs embedded in cotton or silk fabrics reduced the viability of approximately 99% of the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. RGO-Ag NPs embedded into cotton or silk fabrics reduced the viability of the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus by 78-99%, which was higher than the growth inhibition by RGO-Cu NPs samples against S. aureus. Both silk and cotton containing RGO-Cu NPs produced a greater reduction in the viability of the yeast Candida albicans compared to RGO-Ag NPs fabrics. All RGO-Ag NPs or RGO-Cu NPs embedded in cotton or silk fabrics showed good washing durability by sustaining good bactericidal activity, even on washing up to 10 times. Moreover, none of the RGO-Ag or RGO-Cu fabrics reduced mammalian cells' (HEK293) viability by >30%, suggesting low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility. These findings show that RGO-NPs embedded in cotton or silk fabrics have great potential for use in protective clothing and medical textiles.