Nano‐Functionalized Biopolymer Films with Green‐Synthesized CuO/Attapulgite for Light‐Promoted Antibacterial Therapy and Wound Healing

Why It Matters

Antibiotic‑resistant infections threaten wound management; this light‑activated, eco‑friendly dressing offers a non‑drug alternative that can rapidly sterilize wounds and promote tissue regeneration.

Key Takeaways

• Olive leaf extract enables eco-friendly CuO nanoparticle synthesis
• CuO/attapulgite nanocomposite shows 99.8% MRSA inhibition
• Composite film retains moisture, water contact angle 56.7°
• Visible light triggers photocatalytic antibacterial activity
• Rat studies demonstrate faster wound closure and collagen deposition

Pulse Analysis

Antibiotic resistance has driven researchers to explore non‑pharmacological approaches for infection control, and photodynamic or photocatalytic therapies have emerged as promising candidates. By leveraging plant metabolites from Olea europaea leaves, the study achieves a green synthesis route that avoids hazardous chemicals while producing ultrafine CuO nanoparticles (5–20 nm). The one‑dimensional attapulgite clay acts as a biological template, ensuring uniform nucleation and stabilizing the particles, which enhances visible‑light absorption and catalytic efficiency.

The nanocomposite is seamlessly integrated into a κ‑carrageenan/carboxymethyl chitosan matrix, creating a flexible film with balanced mechanical properties and excellent hydrophilicity. A water contact angle of 56.7° and a moisture retention of roughly 65% after one hour indicate an optimal wound‑friendly environment that prevents desiccation while allowing gas exchange. The strong interfacial bonding between the biopolymer chains and CuO/attapulgite ensures homogeneous dispersion, preventing agglomeration that could compromise performance.

In vivo experiments on MRSA‑infected rat wounds reveal that the light‑activated dressing not only eradicates pathogens but also modulates the inflammatory response, leading to accelerated collagen deposition and tissue remodeling. These findings suggest a viable commercial pathway for scalable production of sustainable, light‑responsive wound dressings, addressing a critical gap in the market for antibiotic‑free infection control. Future work may focus on adapting the technology to other visible‑light‑active semiconductors and expanding clinical trials to validate efficacy across diverse wound types.