Visible Light-Activated ZnO@CuO Coaxial Nanofibers Enhance Infected Skin Wound Healing Through Construction of p-n Heterojunctions.

Abstract

The noninvasive regulation of photocatalytic materials for reactive oxygen species (ROS)-based antimicrobial strategies offers a promising approach for healing infected wounds under comorbid conditions. However, most ROS-generating photocatalytic materials rely on ultraviolet (UV) or near-infrared (NIR) light activation, presenting challenges for convenient application and biosafety. In this study, novel zinc oxide@copper oxide (ZnO@CuO) nanofibers with a robust coaxial structure are developed that could be activated by visible light to generate ROS through photocatalytic reactions. The orderly arrangement of the inner and outer semiconductor layers enhanced the contact efficiency of p-n heterojunctions, thereby improving the electron-hole separation efficiency in the nanofibers. The enhanced contact efficiency of p-n heterojunctions is the key mechanism driving the improved photocatalytic properties and increased ROS generation under visible light, offering greater ease of application and biocompatibility. The ZnO@CuO coaxial nanofibers exhibited excellent antimicrobial properties and accelerated wound healing under visible light in a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-infected mouse skin wound model. The coaxial nanofibers controlled infection at an early stage and significantly accelerated wound healing. Even in infected diabetic wounds, a healing rate of 92.3% is achieved within 10 days. This innovative approach utilizes biosafe visible light, providing a promising solution for infected wound therapies.