Fabrication of ultra-small GSH-AgNCs with excellent eschar penetration and antibacterial properties for the healing of burn infection wounds

Abstract

There is evidence of bioburden as a barrier to chronic burn wound healing. Compared to traditional therapy, nanotechnology has availed a revolutionary approach to therapeutic and diagnostic applications in burns. In this article, we developed the glutathione-protected Ag nanoclusters (GSH-AgNCs) to manage burn wound infection. Owing to the specific structure, the GSH-AgNCs emitted strong red fluorescence under UV excitation, quantified via both in vivo and in vitro techniques. The GSH-AgNCs showed a significant inhibition potential on the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ), Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) , Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa ) , and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), hiding under the eschar. Of note, with 2-6nm particle size, GSH-AgNCs are effected in renal excretion, advocating for their biomedical and pharmacological applications.