Rapidly Gelling Sprayable Hydrogels Integrating Carbon Quantum Dots and Plant Extracellular Vesicles Enable Multifunctional Wound Care via Photothermal Management, Immunomodulation, and Ferroptosis

The study presents a novel in-situ forming sprayable hydrogel designed for multifunctional wound care. This hydrogel rapidly gels through the cross-linking of tannic acid, Fe3+ ions, and acrylamide, forming a stable network with excellent adhesion, self-healing, and removability. It incorporates carbon quantum dots and extracellular vesicles, enhancing wound closure, angiogenesis, and hair follicle regeneration in mice. The hydrogel also promotes macrophage polarization, reducing inflammation and fibrosis, and exhibits ferroptosis-inhibitory properties, which may prevent oxidative damage in chronic wounds. Additionally, its photothermal conversion and antibacterial properties suggest applications in sterilization and thermal management. This hydrogel offers a promising strategy for advanced wound management and potential broader biomedical applications.