Rapidly Gelling Sprayable Hydrogels Integrating Carbon Quantum Dots and Plant Extracellular Vesicles Enable Multifunctional Wound Care via Photothermal Management, Immunomodulation, and Ferroptosis

Research around wound healing is proliferating, but there is a lack of all-in-one care products, including wound healing, that need to be developed to meet contemporary demands for minimalism and outdoor sports. Herein, an in-situ forming sprayable hydrogel is designed by integrating multifunctional therapeutic properties. The hydrogel is capable of in situ gelation by rapid cross-linking of tannic acid, Fe³⁺ ions, and acrylamide, thus forming a stable supramolecular double-network with superior adhesion, self-healing ability, and on-demand removability. Further incorporating Flos Sophorae-derived carbon quantum dots and cactus-derived extracellular vesicles, this hydrogel accelerates wound closure, promotes angiogenesis and hair follicle regeneration in murine acute and burn wound mice, and is associated with macrophage polarization from M1 to M2, reducing inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, the tannic acid-Fe³⁺-polyacrylamide supramolecular network has ferroptosis-inhibitory properties, highlighting its potential in preventing oxidative damage in chronic wound healing applications. In addition, photothermal conversion capability and inherent antibacterial properties of hydrogel suggest potential for broader applications such as dry heat sterilization, water disinfection, and thermal management. With its rapid gelation, adaptable mechanical properties, and comprehensive therapeutic effects, this hydrogel offers a promising strategy for advanced wound management and holds potential for broader biomedical applications.