DNA-collagen dressing for promoting scarless healing in early burn wound management

Abstract In the early stages of healing severe burn wounds, increased exudate and immune dysregulation heighten the risk of scar formation. Current dressings for severe burns present significant challenges and are inadequate in effectively managing early burn wounds. To address the above challenges, a deoxyribonucleic acid-functionalized collagen dressing with aligned channels and interconnected porous structure (DNA-Cryo-ACol) was developed. The DNA-Cryo-ACol dressing demonstrated superior exudate drainage abilities: (i) draining excess exudate at a rate 50 times faster than commercial dressings; (ii) doubling the maximum exudate absorption capacity compared to commercial dressings; and (iii) preventing exudate maceration through evident capillary action. Furthermore, DNA-Cryo-ACol dressings exhibited the immunomodulatory property to regulate immune responses mediated by CD4 + T cells. Results indicated that the interaction between DNA-Cryo-ACol dressing and CD4 + T cells stimulated the production of scar-inhibiting cytokines while reducing the expression of α-smooth muscle actin. By effectively managing exudate drainage and immune response, DNA-Cryo-ACol dressings significantly promoted tissue regeneration in healed burn wounds, resulting in a sevenfold increase in hair regrowth and recovery of collagen components to levels comparable to unwounded skin. The findings from this study laid the groundwork for the development of smart materials aimed at early burn wound management to inhibit scarring. Graphical abstract