Cyclodextrin-Modified Amphiphilic Microgel with Bifunctional Domains for Infected Wound Healing via Photothermal Antibacterial Therapy and Nitric Oxide Release

Bacterial infections are one of the major contributing factors to human mortality, which can cause secondary damage to the injured area, such as leading to inflammation, tissue death, and even personal death. Herein, we developed a novel cyclodextrin (CD)-modified amphiphilic microgel with a 3D network nanostructure that encapsulates hydrophilic indocyanine green (ICG) as a trigger for photothermal therapy (PTT) and hydrophobic N,N′-disubstituted-butyl-N,N′-dinitro-1,4-benzenediamine (BNN6) as a heat-sensitive nitric oxide (NO) donor (CD@I–B) to cope with bacteria-infected wound therapy. This biocompatible microgel showed excellent broad-spectrum antibacterial capability under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, while the photothermal conversion process promotes the deswelling of the microgel and release of NO, which synergistically accelerates wound healing. The therapy strategy by synergizing NO delivery with PTT promoted the formation of neovascularization and collagen fiber as well as the elimination of inflammation cells, thus facilitating wound healing. Our study further demonstrates the fantastic opportunities of applying high-performance microgels to provide all-in-one sites for treating wound sterilization and healing.