Multifunctional Nanofiber Membrane With Directional Moisture Pumping, Rapid Cooling, and Antibacterial Activity for Intertrigo Wound Microclimate Regulation and Therapy.

Abstract

Both exposed-surface exudative wounds (e.g., burns and infected wounds) and intertriginous exudative wounds (e.g., intertrigo wounds) are characterized by excessive exudation, localized hyperthermia, and pathogen infection, yet effective dressings that simultaneously regulate these micro environmental factors remain limited. Herein, a sandwich-structured nanofiber membrane is developed with upper and lower hydrophobic pumping/antimicrobial layers and a middle hydrophilic xylitol-loaded cooling layer. Benefiting from the hydrophobic-hydrophilic-hydrophobic architecture, liquid is rapidly pumped from both sides into the middle layer, where xylitol dissolution is activated to induce localized endothermic cooling. The cooling effect is xylitol-dependent, reaching a temperature reduction of 6.5 °C within 5 min. This cascaded moisture-thermal regulation capability is validated in rat dorsal wounds and human skinfolds, representing exposed-surface and intertriginous exudative wounds, respectively. Moreover, incorporation of Ag nanoparticles confers broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. The membrane significantly accelerates infected wound healing through synergistic moisture-thermal microclimate regulation and antibacterial action. This work provides an integrated strategy for microclimate management in complex exudative wounds and offers a promising platform for improving wound healing outcomes.