Biodegradable copper vanadate-based hydrogel with photocatalytic/ photothermal therapy for infected diabetic wound healing

In light of the clinical challenges posed by bacterial infection and vascular damage in chronic diabetic wounds, this study presents a novel bioactive copper vanadate-based hydrogel (CVH) with multiple functions including the sustained release of copper and vanadium ions, photocatalytic activity under visible (VIS) light, and photothermal ability under near-infrared (NIR) light. In vitro experiments demonstrated that CVH effectively repairs high glucose-impaired human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and exhibits potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. S. aureus) ) and Escherichia coli (E. E. coli). ). Furthermore, the dual biological functions are augmented by the NIR-light-induced mild photothermal effect, demonstrating a synergistic effect. The infected diabetic wound model further substantiates the therapeutic efficacy of the CVH dressing in eliminating bacteria and promoting angiogenesis under VIS/NIR light irradiation. Collectively, the CVH dressing demonstrates significant potential as a therapeutic intervention for managing chronic diabetic wounds.