Gallic acid-modified bioglass with combined photothermal and antibacterial effects for the regeneration of infected diabetic wound

Diabetes-associated chronic wound management has been a serious worldwide issue, which is obstructed by multiple factors such as sustained inflammation, attenuated angiogenesis, and fragile defense against bacterial infection in the wound niche. Thus, there stands an urgent demand for biomaterial dressings that are able to treat such complex conditions. Herein, we developed a composite biomaterial of gallic acid-modified bioglass (GA@BG) in an anhydrous system, by using two agents which have already been used in clinical practice. The prepared GA@BG not merely promoted the migration and angiogenesis of vascular endothelial cells but also provided superior antibacterial performance in the local environment. Significantly, the gallic acid-assisted modification made the color of bioglass (BG) change from white to black, endowing it with high light absorption to successfully achieve a significant photothermal property. Then, the strengthened antibacterial effects were further realized by irradiation with near-infrared light (NIR) based on this photothermal property. Particularly, the combined therapy (GA@BG + NIR) was demonstrated as an effective strategy in treating the infected full-thickness dermal wounds of diabetic rats. This research provides a convenient non-antibiotic medicine formula for diabetic wounds with infection, and demonstrates a valid modification for inorganic bioglass-based material with organic polyphenol, which inspires more expansive composites for wound biomaterials.