Carbon dot based dressing for therapy of chemically-induced cutaneous burns

Chemical burns are a significant concern in Ukraine, with a growing interest in new treatments. Carbon-based nanoparticles, due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, have shown promise for wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of carbon dots (CD) derived from citric acid and urea in promoting healing of both acidic- and alkali-induced burns in a rat model. The results indicated that acid-induced burns were slower to heal and exhibited more inflammation compared to alkali-induced burns with the same initial injury level. Daily application of CD dressings significantly reduced the burn area and inflammation in alkali-induced burns during the first week, i.e. accelerated burn healing process, although the treatment was less effective in acid burns. Both types of burns led to increased white blood cell counts, a left shift, and segmented neutrophils by day 7, signaling early acute inflammation. CD dressings notably reduced leukocytosis while preserving neutrophilia and lymphocyte release on days 7 and 14. Furthermore, CD treatment prevented post-burn anemia by maintaining erythrocyte integrity. The immune system's response and inflammation levels were consistent with the burn healing process and skin histopathology.Overall, CD accelerated healing, particularly in alkali burns, and had a systemic effect on immune and inflammatory responses.