Silk fibroin/poly(L-lactic acid) Janus nanofibre membranes enhanced with Al-Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene for dual-modal conductive and NIR-photothermal synergistic therapy of infected diabetic wounds.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic wounds present substantial therapeutic challenges, primarily due to their heightened susceptibility to infection and impaired healing. Effective management requires both local pathogen control and enhanced tissue regeneration. To address these dual clinical needs, we developed an electroactive and photothermal silk fibroin/polylactic acid/Al-Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene Janus nanofibre membrane using electrospinning and spraying techniques.

RESULTS: By integrating electrospinning and electrospraying, we fabricated a Janus nanofibre dressing with distinct structural, hydrophilic, and electroactive properties on each side. Upon near-infrared light irradiation, the dressing demonstrated rapid and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. At an intensity of 0.5 W/cm2, the resulting photothermal effect achieved rapid sterilisation within 5 min. When combined with external electrical stimulation, the dressing also facilitated fibroblast proliferation and migration. Moreover, this dual therapy upregulated EGF, VEGF, and TGF-β expressions, thereby significantly accelerating the healing of chronic diabetic wounds. These results underscore the strong therapeutic potential of this approach for effectively managing complex diabetic wounds.

CONCLUSION: This novel biomimetic Janus membrane effectively combines photothermal antibacterial action and electrical stimulation to support wound healing. The multifunctional electrospun dressing offers a promising framework for designing advanced wound care materials specifically for infected diabetic wounds.