Prussian blue and collagen loaded chitosan nanofibers with NIR-controlled NO release and photothermal activities for wound healing

Nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as a potential wound therapeutic agent due to its pivotal role in the wound healing processes. Nevertheless, NO-based therapy for clinical applications is still restricted due to its gaseous state and short half-life. Here we exploited a wound dressing by incorporating sodium nitroprusside doped prussian blue nanoparticals and Type I collagen into the chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers through the electrospinning method. This hybrid nanofibrous scaffold possess the excellent abilities of NIR controlled NO release, photothermal therapy, and imitation of extra-cellular matrix-like architecture. These synergistic effects could enhance their anti-bactericidal effects in vitro and furthermore accelerate wound healing in vivo when compared to control groups. Histological analysis demonstrated the scaffold could promote fibroblast growth and accelerate epithelialization. Moreover, no apparent histological toxicology and negligible damage to major organs were observed, which provided sufficient biosafety for in vivo application. These data indicate the fabricated hybrid nanofibrous scaffold could be used as an ideal candidate for accelerating wound healing and treating chronic wounds.