Herbal hydrogel incorporating Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi carbon dots and baicalein for antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing applications

Wound infection and excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) lead to inflammation, hindering wound healing. Baicalein (BAI) and baicalin (BA) coexist in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi , with baicalein being one of the most abundant flavonoids in the plant. In this study, carbon dots (CDs) were hydrothermally synthesized from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi leaves and incorporated with baicalein (BAI) into a sodium alginate hydrogel to form BCG hydrogel. BCG exhibited ROS scavenging activity and promoted NIH/3T3 cell proliferation and migration under oxidative stress, while also demonstrating in vitro antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus . In an infected wound model, the wound area treated with BCG was reduced to only 2 % by the 8th day. The wound area shows marked anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects, evidenced by activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, suppression of NF-κB signaling, reduced inflammation, and enhanced neovascularization. In conclusion, this study provides a strategy for the comprehensive utilization of the entire Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi plant and reveals promising prospects for the combined use of herbal medicines and non-medicinal parts as an effective approach for chronic wound healing.