Controlled growth of metal-organic frameworks on small intestinal submucosa for wound repair through combined antibacterial and angiogenic effects

Regenerating infectious wound tissues resulting from bacterial invasion is an ongoing challenge. In this study, a novel wound dressing with both antibacterial and angiogenic capacities is developed to combat refractory infection and promote wound repair. The system (termed SIS/ZIF) is fabricated through a one-pot synthesis of zinc-containing zeolitic imidazolate framework (i.e., ZIF-8) on the surface of small intestinal submucosa (SIS). By optimizing the preparation period, the SIS/ZIF demonstrated excellent sustained release rates of Zn2+ up to 14 days, antibacterial efficiency (>96 %) and accelerated vascularization (2.17-fold greater than commercial wound dressings). Furthermore, transcriptome analysis suggested that the SIS/ZIF dressing achieved tissue repair via activating the hypoxia-induced factor-α pathway. In a rat model of wound injuries with bacterial intervention, the SIS/ZIF showed robust potentials to eradicate bacteria and promote tissue regeneration. We believe this versatile material would be promisingly applicable to wound healing.