Photothermally Activated Multifunctional Hydrogel with Bioactive Carbon Nanomaterials for Accelerated Diabetic Wound Healing

To address persistent complications in diabetic wound healing, we present a photothermally responsive, multifunctional hydrogel. This system, integrating bioactive carbon nanomaterials into a chitosan network, is meticulously designed for comprehensive microenvironment regulation. Characterized by practical physical attributes such as injectability, self-healing capabilities, and sustained active component release, the hydrogel further offers a powerful suite of bioactive functionalities. It effectively combines potent antioxidant and antibacterial activities with a crucial ability to modulate immune responses, particularly by steering macrophage polarization toward a pro-regenerative phenotype. These therapeutic benefits are notably amplified by a photothermal effect, specifically derived from the magnesium-doped carbon dots. In vivo studies confirm this system significantly accelerates infected wound healing through synergistic bacterial eradication, inflammation suppression, and enhanced angiogenesis. This multimechanistic approach represents a significant step forward, offering a transformative material solution with strong potential to improve clinical outcomes for severe diabetic wounds.