A multifunctional exudate-absorptive patch accelerates burn wound healing via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects

Abstract Burn wounds present significant challenges for traditional dressings due to excessive exudate secretion and persistent inflammation. To address these, the study developed a multifunctional high-exudate-absorption patch (SPC@C) loaded with bioactive curcumin nanoparticles for enhanced burn wound healing. A biomimetic three-dimensional nanoflower hybrid was synthesized through a mild one-pot self-assembly process. It was loaded into an acrylamide-sodium alginate hydrogel and dried, producing the SPC@C patch. The exudate absorption capacity, drug release characteristics, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the patch were systematically studied. Additionally, the pro-healing performance and potential mechanisms in vivo were evaluated using a rat burn model. SPC@C absorbs wound exudate rapidly, transforming its initially dense internal network to a macroporous structure, thereby facilitating the release of the bioactive curcumin. In vitro, SPC@C exhibited a significant capacity to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitigate the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, it suppressed the expression of pivotal pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β) and modulated macrophage M1-to-M2 polarization. In vivo, SPC@C significantly improved epidermal regeneration, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition in burn tissues. RNA sequencing analysis showed that in burn tissues, SPC@C releases curcumin to modulate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory immunomodulation by regulating the AMPK/Sirt3/NF-κB signaling axis. This work provides a theoretical foundation for developing materials aimed at managing burn wound exudate and modulating the immune responses.