Enhanced Photothermal Sterilization and Wound Healing Performance Through Natural Polyphenol-Mediated Formation of Porphyrin J-Aggregates.

Abstract

Persistent bacterial infections and oxidative stress-induced inflammatory responses present significant challenges to wound healing. Conventional wound care approaches frequently prioritize bacterial eradication while overlooking the critical need to modulate inflammation. To address this limitation, we have innovatively developed carrier-free nano-aggregates through the co-precipitation of natural polyphenols (resveratrol and piceatannol) and a porphyrin-based photosensitizer, which function as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents, respectively. Significantly, rather than forming a simple mixture, the two components co-assemble via microstructure regulation into a highly ordered architecture exhibiting characteristic J-aggregate features. Specifically, the piceatannol-based aggregates (designated T₄PIC NPs) achieved an exceptional photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) of 51.1% under 730 nm irradiation, accompanied by an 86 nm spectral redshift, surpassing most previously reported porphyrin-based nanoparticles. These properties enable highly effective sterilization even at low doses. Notably, the natural polyphenols not only enhance phototherapeutic efficacy but also, owing to their multi-hydroxyl structures, effectively scavenge reactive oxygen species and modulate inflammatory responses, thereby accelerating wound healing. This study establishes a straightforward strategy for delivering natural polyphenolic drugs while concurrently constructing highly efficient porphyrin-based photothermal formulations, demonstrating unique advantages for advanced wound management.