Carbon quantum dots as a nitric oxide donor can promote wound healing of deep partial-thickness burns in rats.

INTRODUCTION

In this study, a new carbon quantum dots-NO (CQDs-NO) that is based on spermidine trihydrochloride and can be used as a nitric oxide donor was prepared using a two-step hyperthermia-intermittent ultrasonic method, after which its healing effect on deep partial-thickness burn wounds was tested in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CQDs-NO were prepared by a two-step hyperthermia-intermittent ultrasonic method. NO-released rate and biocompatibility of CQDs-NO were tested. The biological functions of CQDs-NO were measured by scratch assay, Western blotting, histology, and transcriptome sequencing.

RESULTS

CQDs-NO with a concentration of 1 μg/mL and 5 μg/mL showed no cytotoxicity. CQDs-NO could release NO when co-cultured with cells or glutathione peroxidase. We also found that CQDs-NO promotes the biological processes such as angiogenesis, cell-substrate adhesion, extracellular matrix organization, cell migration, and wound healing in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Additionally, CQDs-NO promoted wound healing of deep partial-thickness burn by enhancing vascularization, matrix deposition, as well as regulating the inflammatory reactions of wounds.

CONCLUSIONS

CQDs-NO could be used as an alternative method for deep partial-thickness burn healing.