Cu-BTC MOFs Grown In Situ on Poly(ionic liquid)-Based Electrospun Fibrous Membranes for Wound Dressings

Developing wound dressings with antibacterial, good moisture absorption, air permeability and inflammatory inhibition activities to promote wound healing effectively is highly desirable in clinical practice. Herein, a multifunctional wound dressing with air permeability, hygroscopicity and antibacterial activity was developed by in situ growth of a metal–organic framework (Cu-BTC) benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (BTC) on poly(ionic liquid) (PIL)-based fibrous membranes. The Cu-BTC was grown in situ on an imidazolium-based PIL fibrous membrane via coordination bonds, which increased the stability and dispersion of the Cu-BTC. The porous structure of electrospinning and Cu-BTC allows the breathable dressings to absorb wound exudate and regulate the wound microenvironment. The imidazolium-based IL and Cu2+ released from Cu-BTC endow the dressing with effective bactericidal activities both in vitro and in vivo, especially for Cu-BTC60/PIL, in which more than 96% of bacteria are inactivated. Moreover, an in vivo bacterial infection wound study revealed that the dressing with good biocompatibility can effectively sterilize Staphylococcus aureus while suppressing inflammation and promoting wound healing. The developed wound dressing synergistically combines the antibacterial therapeutic effect of PIL and the release of Cu2+ from Cu-BTC for effective wound healing, which may provide an ideal clinical intervention strategy for infected wounds.