Bio-inspired self-adhesive microparticles with melanin nanoparticles integration for wound closure and healing

Adhesive hydrogel patches have received great recognitions in wound healing applications. Structural manipulation and functional enhancement are current trends aiming to achieve better curative effect. Herein, adhesive microparticles (AMPs) were prepared via microfluidic electrospray as novel patch for would healing. The AMPs were composed of chitosan oligosaccharide-polyacrylic acid (CSO-PAA) hydrogel matrix embedded with natural melanin nanoparticles. The AMPs exhibited excellent wet adhesion ability, and their particulate structure made them easily adaptable to irregular wound sites. Additionally, the incorporated melanin nanoparticles endowed the AMPs with reactive oxygen species-scavenging and photothermal conversion capacities. Based on these features, the AMPs were employed to close the fractured wound and promote wound healing in vivo, especially under near-infrared irradiation. Therefore, we believe that the multifunctional AMPs are promising adhesive patch for wound management, and potential applications can be expected in battlefield nursing, postoperative management, and household healthcare.