Bioactive MXene Based Nanocomposite for Potential Application in Wound Healing

Abstract

MXenes, a class of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, have emerged as promising materials in the biomedical field due to their exceptional electrical conductivity, surface functionality, and biocompatibility. Their ability to serve as active carriers and structural supports makes them ideal candidates for designing multifunctional nanocomposites. In this study, a hybrid nanocomposite comprising MXene, ZnO/Ag/Ag2O was synthesized and characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM and UV–Vis techniques. The structural analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of metal oxide nanoparticles onto MXene sheets. The ZnO/Ag/Ag2O@MXene nanocomposite demonstrated excellent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae. Bacterial time scale analysis showed reduced absorbance over 32 hours, especially in S. aureus and E. coli, indicating strong and sustained antibacterial performance. In a full thickness wound model in mice, the treated group exhibited 97.29% wound closure by Day 10, significantly outperforming the negative control group. The composite also exhibited anti-inflammatory property in a carrageenan-induced paw edema whereby thickness of the paw reduced form 7.33 mm to 4.72 mm in 24 h, which was very similar to that of the positive control. Histology proved increased tissue restoration and decreased inflammation, re-epithelialization of wounds and collagen arrangement in treated wounds. The above observations confirm the high possibilities of the ZnO/Ag/Ag2O@MXene nanocomposite as an efficient and universal material that can be used in biomedical applications, especially infection prevention, wound healing, and inflammation treatment.