Visible-Light-Enhanced Lanthanide Heterostructure with Synergistic Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Activity to Accelerate Wound Healing

Abstract

Bacterial infections compromise wound healing and represent a growing threat in the era of rising antibiotic resistance. Herein, we developed a multifunctional platform (CN@La@B) that combines bacterial capture, membrane sensitization, visible-light-triggered antibacterial activity, and anti-inflammatory effects. The CN@La@B was prepared by immobilizing dendritic mesoporous lanthanide hydroxide [La(OH)3] nanoparticles (La NPs) onto graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets to form a topologically structured La(OH)3@g-C3N4 (CN@La) heterostructure, followed by loading of the anti-inflammatory agent berberine. The spiky topological La NPs attached to bacterial surfaces, thereby promoting phospholipid dephosphorylation and enhancing membrane permeability. Under visible-light irradiation, electrons from g-C3N4 nanosheets were photoexcited to the conduction band and subsequently transferred to La NPs, enabling electron–hole separation and reactive oxygen species generation to eradicate bacteria. Meanwhile, berberine loaded onto the CN@La@B platform helped regulate the wound immune microenvironment. Collectively, both in vitro and in vivo evaluations demonstrated that the CN@La@B killed bacteria and disrupted biofilms, while also modulating inflammation, speeding up wound closure, and supporting tissue regeneration. These findings suggest that CN@La@B is a promising multifunctional platform for infected wound treatment, based on a “flypaper-mimicked” antibacterial strategy that integrates bacterial capture, membrane sensitization, reactive oxygen species generation, and immunomodulation.