Dextran-functionalized cerium oxide nanoparticles for treating diabetic wound infections by synergy between antibacterial activity and immune modulation

ABSTRACT Diabetic wounds, characterized by recurrent infections, drug resistance, and immunosuppression, pose a formidable clinical challenge which can hardly be adequately managed by conventional antibiotics. Herein, we present dextran-functionalized cerium oxide nanoparticles (Dex-CeNPs) to cure bacterial infected diabetic wounds. The Dex-CeNPs not only had excellent antibacterial activity, but also promoted the shift of macrophages from the proinflammatory M1 phenotype to the proregenerative M2 phenotype. By synergizing the antibacterial activity and immune modulating activity, the Dex-CeNPs promoted the healing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-infected diabetic wound and prevented infection recurrence in mice. Our study provides a strategy for treating intractable diabetic wounds.