A Multifunctional MOF Heterojunction for Combating Antibiotic Resistance and Promoting Regenerative Immunity

The study introduces a multifunctional microreactor (SK@hZnO@ZIF-8, SZZ) designed to tackle antimicrobial resistance and immune dysregulation in infected wounds. The microreactor features a pH-responsive ZIF-8 shell that releases Shikonin and Zn²⁺ specifically in acidic infection sites, effectively eradicating over 99.9% of MRSA and maintaining high efficacy over 20 passages without promoting drug resistance. Additionally, SZZ reprograms the immune response by promoting M2 macrophage polarization and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a pro-reparative state. In vivo, this results in complete infection clearance and significant tissue regeneration, including 72.4% collagen deposition and enhanced hair follicle formation, within 7 days. This approach highlights the potential of nanoscale gating mechanisms in therapeutic applications for infection resolution and biological repair.