Electrospining:Flexible Copper-Doped Silica Fibers Promote Infected Conjunctival Tissue Repair Through Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Effects (Professor Mo Xiumei and Researcher Zhou Xingping's team)

Recently, Professor Mo Xiumei and a team of researchers led by Zhou Xingping from Donghua University published research results on the development of nanofibers with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in the journal Advanced Fiber Materials, titled "Flexible Copper Supported Silica Fibers Promote Infected Conjunctival Tissue Repair Through Antibacterial and Anti inflammatory Effects".

【Method】

The conjunctiva is crucial for protecting the eyes from injury or infection, ensuring the preservation of vision. Therefore, the repair of conjunctival infection damage is necessary. Researchers have developed copper doped flexible silica nanofibers with multifunctional antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties around this theme（SiO2@Cu NFs). It exhibits biocompatibility, promotes cell growth, angiogenesis, and inflammation regulation.

【Research highlight】

1.SiO2@Cu NFs exhibit excellent antioxidant capacity and promote wound healing. Studies have shown that Cu nanoparticles can promote the activity of catalase (CAT), thereby enhancing the detoxification effect of hydrogen peroxide and promoting antioxidant activity. The article adopts the DPPH experimental method and shows that SiO2@Cu NFs have significant free radical scavenging rates and exhibit strong antioxidant effects.

2. Copper ion release can induce anti-inflammatory effects, helping to resolve inflammation and promote wound healing. Copper doped silica nanofibers exhibit significant antibacterial properties by releasing copper ions, which can effectively promote the repair of infected conjunctival tissue. These fibers can significantly inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and reduce the formation of bacterial colonies both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the released copper ions also have the ability to induce anti-inflammatory effects, which may help alleviate the inflammatory response at the site of injury. At the same time, these fibers exhibit good biocompatibility and can promote cell growth, angiogenesis, and inflammation regulation, thereby supporting tissue repair processes.

【Conclusion】

The copper doped flexible silica nanofiber designed by the research team has excellent physical and chemical properties and biocompatibility. In addition, it can induce angiogenesis and polarization of macrophages towards anti-inflammatory phenotype, and has antibacterial properties. The research results have the potential to replace eye mask bandages, promote conjunctival regeneration, and have a positive effect on other ophthalmic wounds.

Paper link：https://doi.org/10.1007/s42765-023-00358-5