Copper metal–organic frameworks loaded on chitosan film for the efficient inhibition of bacteria and local infection therapy

Although multiple advanced antibacterial and sterilization materials are available, bacterial infections still remain a big challenge in wound healing as they usually induce serious complications and cannot be thoroughly eliminated. Herein, we report an antibacterial film composed of the naturally derived polysaccharide chitosan (CS) and a copper metal-organic framework (HKUST-1) as a multifunctional platform for antibacterial and local infection therapy applications. As expected, the as-prepared HKUST-1/CS film possessed versatile abilities such as slow release of copper ions and reduced cytotoxicity; moreover, fluorescent staining and morphological changes of the bacteria treated with the HKUST-1/CS film confirmed the antibacterial activity of the fabricated film. Furthermore, in vivo results revealed that the HKUST-1/CS film could simultaneously kill bacteria and promote vessel regeneration; this resulted in an enhanced wound closure rate during the local infection therapy process. Overall, these results highlight that the HKUST-1/CS film exhibits significant potential as a suitable and promising wound dressing.