The broad-spectrum antibacterial property of t-ZnO can effectively inhibit the growth of Cutibacterium acnes.

t-ZnO shows significant broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, especially against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, including multiple drug-resistant strains. Although its activity against some strains (such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis) is limited, the unique antibacterial mechanism and extremely low cytotoxicity of t-ZnO make it an important candidate for treating infections and developing new antibacterial materials. The antibacterial mechanism of t-ZnO is multifaceted, covering both physical and chemical aspects. Its unique tetrahedral morphology not only enhances the contact area with bacteria but also may promote more effective ROS production. Combined with the interaction of electric charges and the release of zinc ions, it makes ZnO-T an effective antibacterial material. The combined effect of these mechanisms provides a theoretical basis for the application of t-ZnO in fields such as medical and health care, environmental disinfection.

The strong anti-inflammatory effect of t-ZnO

Anti-inflammatory mechanism: Reduction of cell factor production: t-ZnO shows significant anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cell factors IL-6 (interleukin 6) and HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) in HTFs. IL-6 is a multifunctional cell factor that participates in inflammation and immune responses; HGF has the functions of regulating cell proliferation, migration, and survival. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of t-ZnO may involve the intervention in these pro-inflammatory and pro-proliferation signaling pathways, thereby reducing inflammatory responses and fibrosis.

The Anti-Fibroblast Proliferation Effect of t-ZnO

Anti-cell proliferation mechanism: t-ZnO inhibits cell proliferation activity by reducing the expression of the proliferation marker Ki67 in HTFs. Ki67 is a universal marker of cell proliferation, and the reduction in its expression level indicates that t-ZnO effectively blocks the progress of the cell cycle; Reduction of migration and transdifferentiation: Studies have shown that after t-ZnO treatment, the migration and transdifferentiation abilities of HTFs are significantly reduced, specifically manifested by the decreased expression levels of α-SMA (smooth muscle actin) and p-SMAD (phosphorylated SMAD protein). α-SMA and p-SMAD are important markers for the transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts (a process that promotes fibrosis). t-ZnO prevents the functional transformation of HTFs by inhibiting the expression of these proteins, thereby reducing fibrosis and inflammatory responses.

The Wound Healing Promotion and Cell Protection Effects of t-ZnO

The mechanism of t-ZnO in promoting wound healing involves multiple biological processes. The specific mechanisms are as follows:

  1. t-ZnO can effectively prevent infections and reduce the formation of biofilms in chronic wounds.
  2. Promote cell migration and re-epithelialization: t-ZnO can promote the migration of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, which is helpful for the rapid closure of wounds and re-epithelialization. Re-epithelialization is a crucial step in the skin wound healing process and helps with wound contraction and healing. 3. Promote angiogenesis (neovascularization): t-ZnO accelerates the wound healing process by enhancing angiogenesis. Neovascularization provides oxygen and nutrients and supports the formation of new tissues.
  3. Regulate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses: t-ZnO also has antioxidant capacity, which can reduce oxidative stress at the wound site and inflammation, thereby promoting faster tissue repair.
  4. Promote collagen deposition: During the proliferative phase of wound healing, t-ZnO helps promote the synthesis and deposition of collagen fibers, which is crucial for providing structural support and wound healing.

In summary, tetrahedral zinc oxide can significantly promote wound healing through its multiple effects of antibacterial action, promoting cell migration, anti-inflammation, and promoting neovascularization, and is particularly suitable for the management of anti-infection and hard-to-heal chronic wounds.

The Extremely High Safety of t-ZnO

Due to its extremely high safety, t-ZnO is particularly suitable for external preparations for infants, young children, and adolescents.