Photodynamic/Photothermal Gold Nanoclusters Chitosan Sponge for Hemostasis and MRSA Infected Wound Healing.

INTRODUCTION

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), impede wound infection treatment. Novel strategies shall be designed to effectively eliminate bacteria and facilitate wound recovery.

METHODS

This study fabricated a new chitosan-based sponge, CS-AuNCs/ICG, to combat MDR bacteria and treat skin wounds. In the CS sponge system, ICG can rapidly generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light irradiation, thereby exerting a rapid bactericidal effect; in contrast, the gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) slowly released from the system can achieve a long-lasting bactericidal effect.

RESULTS

In vitro, CS-AuNCs/ICG exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against both planktonic MRSA and biofilm. Moreover, this sponge featured not only an efficient hemostatic property but also a high-porosity porous structure ideal for wound exudate absorption. Local remedy of MRSA-infected mice using the CS-AuNCs/ICG sponge combined with light irradiation resulted in prompt bacterial elimination and prolonged bacteriostasis in the skin wounds, which accelerated wound healing without any observed side effects.

DISCUSSION: In summary, the CS-AuNCs/ICG sponge possesses both high-efficiency antibacterial activity and sustained bacterial inhibition ability, demonstrating significant application potential in treating wounds infected with drug-resistant bacteria.