Structurally Oriented\nCarbon Dots as ROS Nanomodulators\nfor Dynamic Chronic Inflammation and Infection Elimination

The selective elimination of cytotoxic ROS while retaining\nessential\nones is pivotal in the management of chronic inflammation. Co-occurring\nbacterial infection further complicates the conditions, necessitating\nprecision and an efficacious treatment strategy. Herein, the dynamic\nROS nanomodulators are rationally constructed through regulating the\nsurface states of herbal carbon dots (CDs) for on-demand inflammation\nor infection elimination. The phenolic OH containing CDs derived from\nhoneysuckle (HOCD) and dandelion (DACD) demonstrated appropriate redox\npotentials, ensuring their ability to scavenge cytotoxic ROS such\nas <b>·</b>OH and ONOO<sup>–</sup>, while invalidity\ntoward essential ones such as O<sub>2</sub><sup><b><b>·</b></b>–</sup>, H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, and NO. This enables\nefficient treatment of chronic inflammation without affecting essential\nROS signal pathways. The surface C–N/CN of CDs derived\nfrom taxus leaves (TACD) and DACD renders them with suitable band\nstructures, facilitating absorption in the red region and efficient\ngeneration of O<sub>2</sub><sup><b><b>·</b></b>–</sup> upon light irradiation for sterilization. Specifically, the facilely\nprepared DACD demonstrates fascinating dynamic ROS modulating ability,\nmaking it highly suitable for addressing concurrent chronic inflammation\nand infection, such as diabetic wound infection. This dynamic ROS\nregulation strategy facilitates the realization of the precise and\nefficient treatment of chronic inflammation and infection with minimal\nside effects, holding immense potential for clinical practice.