Abstract

The treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represents a significant challenge due to the complexity of the wound microenvironment. Several factors, including infection, inflammation, and impaired angiogenesis, can complicate the healing process and reduce the effectiveness of current clinical treatments. To address these challenges, this work develops a multifunctional sponge containing a zeolitic imidazolate framework-8/bacterial cellulose (ZIF-8/BC) matrix loaded with the antioxidant naringin (Nar). This sponge is fabricated using a straightforward method that involves in situ synthesis followed by lyophilization. The as-prepared Nar/ZIF-8/BC sponge exhibits excellent mechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength reaching 2.28 MPa), high exudate management performance (water absorption approximately 70 times), and excellent antimicrobial activity (100%). Additionally, the pH-responsive properties of ZIF-8 enable the composite sponge to release naringin in response to the DFU microenvironment. The released drug promotes angiogenesis, resulting in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which further encourage the healing of infected wounds in diabetic rats. Overall, the Nar/ZIF-8/BC sponge is a promising multifunctional dressing for DFU healing, providing an efficient solution for intractable wounds by regulating the microenvironment, which meets complex clinical demands.