Copper‐doped borosilicate bioactive glass coating modified bacterial cellulose functional dressing for diabetic ulcer

Abstract The intrinsic scarcity of bioactive groups in bacterial cellulose (BC), which is characterized by its nanofiber network structure and superior physicochemical properties, limits its application predominantly to physical wound care. This limitation renders it inadequate for effectively addressing the intricate microenvironment associated with chronic wounds, including diabetic ulcers. Hence, a copper‐doped borosilicate bioactive glass (BBG) coating was successfully fabricated on the nanofiber surface of BC by the sol‐gel synthesis and hydrolysis reaction, resulting in a functional dressing termed copper‐doped BBG‐modified BC (Cu 2+ @BBG/BC). The characterization results showed that the Cu 2+ @BBG coating was successfully deposited onto the BC fibers. At the same time, the nanoporous network structure of BC was retained, as well as high porosity and rapid water absorption rate. Furthermore, the incorporation of the Cu 2+ @BBG coating improved the mechanical properties of the BC‐based composite. Notably, ions from the Cu 2+ @BBG coating could release continuously for 48 h in a PBS solution at 37°C, which indicated that the stability of the Cu 2+ @BBG coating can meet clinical needs. Importantly, the Cu 2+ @BBG coating conferred the modified BC with excellent antibacterial properties, anti‐inflammatory activities, cytocompatibility and angiogenic potential. In vivo results further demonstrated that Cu 2+ @BBG/BC‐0.38 dressing, with an optimal copper content, could effectively inhibit MRSA‐induced infection, mitigate the inflammatory response, enhance collagen deposition and angiogenesis, and accelerate wound healing. These findings illustrate that the developed Cu 2+ @BBG/BC‐0.38 dressing holds significant promise for clinical applications and provides an innovative strategy for modifying BC nanofiber surfaces.