Preparation an‎d Characterization of a Smart Glucose-Sensitive Hydrogel Wound Dressing Containing L-Arginine–Functionalized MOF with Nanozyme Activity for the Treatment of Bacterial Diabetic Wound Healing

2/18/2027 12:00:00 AM

Diabetic wounds are among the most preva‎lent an‎d challenging complications of diabetes an‎d are strongly influenced by chronic hyperglycemia, persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, an‎d impaired immune responses, all of which contribute to delayed healing an‎d an increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. Therefore, the development of smart therapeutic platforms capable of localized, condition-responsive activity in the wound microenvironment is of considerable importance. In this study, a glucose-responsive, self-activated wound dressing was designed an‎d eva‎luated to simultaneously control infection an‎d promote the healing of diabetic wounds. For this purpose, the iron-based metal–organic framework NH₂-MIL-88B(Fe) was synthesized via a solvothermal route an‎d subsequently functionalized with the amino acid L-arginine—used as a biological precursor of nitric oxide—through post-synthetic modification. The resulting material was immobilized within a biocompatible chitosan/alginate hydrogel matrix to ensure suitable contact with the wound bed. To impart glucose responsiveness under diabetic conditions, glucose oxidase was incorporated into the hydrogel, enabling the system to utilize wound glucose as an endogenous trigger. Structural an‎d chemical characterizations confirmed the appropriate crystallinity of the synthesized metal–organic framework an‎d demonstrated that arginine functionalization was achieved without disrupting the parent framework. An increase in nitrogen content an‎d a shift in surface charge after modification further verified the successful presence of arginine on the framework surface. Morphological analyses indicated a favorable distribution of the metal–organic framework particles throughout the hydrogel matrix. Nitrogen adsorption measurements for the pristine framework revealed an adequate specific surface area an‎d porosity, which are essential for accessibility to catalytically active sites. Functionally, the designed platform activated a glucose-mediated reaction cascade leading to in situ hydrogen peroxide generation. The produced hydrogen peroxide not only exerted a direct antibacterial effect but also promoted nanozyme-like activity of the iron centers, thereby enhancing the production of reactive oxygen species an‎d stimulating nitric oxide–related pathways. The concomitant operation of these antibacterial mechanisms supports effective microbial inhibition while potentially facilitating biological processes associated with inflammation reduction an‎d tissue repair. Overall, the findings suggest that the proposed system represents a promising platform for the development of smart wound dressings for diabetic wound management.

نانوزيم , چارچوب فلز_آلي , نيتريك اكسايد , هوشمند , گلوكز , باكتريايي , زخم ديابتي , هيدروژل

Diabetic wound , Metal–Organic Framework , MOF , Nitric oxide , Nanozyme , Glucose-responsive hydrogel

Faegheh Daraei

Dr. Ali Maleki