Mannose-Functionalized ZIF-8@Norfloxacin Nanocarriers for Enhanced Antibacterial Therapy and Wound Healing

Abstract Bacterial wound infections represent a major clinical challenge, particularly in light of the rising incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This growing public health concern underscores the critical need for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In this context, nanomedicine has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. Owing to their nanoscale dimensions and enhanced cellular permeability, nanomaterials serve as highly effective drug delivery vehicles. In this study, we constructed a nanosystem (Man-ZIF-8@NOR) featuring a mannose (Man)-modified zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) as the nanocarrier and norfloxacin as the bioactive compound for treating infected wounds. The Man-ZIF-8@NOR system was found to enable rapid drug release in acidic environments, exhibit outstanding antibacterial properties, demonstrate good biosafety, suppress inflammatory cytokine levels in vivo, promote angiogenesis, and effectively treat superficial skin wounds while accelerating healing. This study of Man-modified ZIF-8 nanocarriers presents a nanosystem with antibacterial activity and wound-healing-promoting potential, thereby providing a promising nanosystem for antibacterial therapy and improved repair of infected wounds.