TPU/Pluronic F127/TiO2-Curcumin Composite Nanofibrous Membrane for Antibacterial Wound Healing

Abstract

Conventional stimuli-responsive wound dressings typically rely on high-energy external equipment, such as intensive lamps or electrical triggers, to activate antibacterial functions and initiate drug release, which significantly hinders their clinical translation. Herein, we report a solar-driven electrospun nanofibrous dressing (TPTC) composed of thermoplastic polyurethane, Pluronic F127, and a TiO2-curcumin coordination complex. The dressing features a flexible nanofibrous scaffold with an average fiber diameter of ∼405 nm, within which TiO2-Cur nanoparticles (20−40 nm) are uniformly dispersed throughout the polymer matrix. Mechanistically, the temperature-programmed drug release is governed by the sol−gel transition of PF127, as confirmed by DSC analysis showing an endothermic peak at ∼36 °C, with a cumulative release of 62.4% within 24 h at 37 °C, demonstrating a thermosensitive “switch” effect triggered by infection-associated fever. Moreover, the Ti−O−C coordination bonds at the nano-interfaces extend the photocatalytic response into the solar region, achieving 91.3% degradation of Rhodamine B within 60 min. The dressing also exhibits robust fluid management capability, with water absorption of 320%, water retention of 85.3%, and a water vapor transmission rate of 2275 g m−2 day−1. In vitro studies demonstrate that TPTC achieves ∼98% inactivation of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus without detectable cytotoxicity, while CLSM imaging reveals an 89.3% reduction in biofilm viability. In vivo, treatment of infected rat wounds with TPTC results in 99.87% wound closure within 14 days, accompanied by reduced inflammation and enhanced angiogenesis (CD31/VEGF). By harnessing infection-associated local hyperthermia and renewable solar energy, this solar-driven dressing achieves synergistic thermos-responsive drug release and photocatalytic ROS generation, offering a sustainable strategy for on-demand wound infection control.