Abstract
Diabetic wounds are a major clinical challenge due to their chronic, non-healing nature, which significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Traditional treatments often fail to effectively promote wound healing, highlighting the need for new biomaterials. In this study, we developed a composite hydrogel (KC@PF@TA) that combines the photothermal and antibacterial properties of Ti₃C₂Tx-Ag (Titanium carbide-silver) with the regenerative effects of paeoniflorin (PF). The hydrogel was optimized by adjusting the composition, crosslinking density, and the incorporation of nanoparticles, which enhanced its mechanical strength, photothermal conversion efficiency, antibacterial properties, and biocompatibility. The optimized hydrogel demonstrated enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and robust photothermal and antibacterial properties in vitro. In a diabetic murine model of Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds, KC@PF@TA exhibited exceptional therapeutic benefits in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, and tissue regeneration. Overall, our results suggest that composite hydrogels with controlled bioactive agent release and mechanical modulation present a promising solution for treating chronic diabetic wounds.