Preparation of Star-shaped Co-Cu-Zn MMO@Ag Nanocomposite and Its Tissue Repair and Antibacterial Properties

The continuous escalation of antibiotic resistance has created an urgent need to develop antibacterial agents with high antimicrobial efficacy and excellent biocompatibility. In this study, based on a strategy that leverages multi-metal synergy to enhance antibacterial performance while reducing toxicity, Co-Cu-Zn MMO(mixed metal oxide) (CCZ) was used as a carrier to immobilize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) via an adsorption method, successfully constructing a Co-Cu-Zn MMO@Ag (CCZA) nanocomposite. The synergistic effect between the multi-branched star-like oxide framework of CCZ and 5-7 nm Ag nanoparticles accelerated charge transfer and markedly promoted the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby enhancing antibacterial activity. Meanwhile, the integration of multiple metal ions effectively reduced the toxicity of the antibacterial agent. Antibacterial assays demonstrated that at a concentration of 100 μg/mL, CCZA achieved 99% inhibition against Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans within 20 min. The underlying mechanism involved disruption of the microbial cell wall/membrane structure, leading to leakage of nucleic acids and cytoplasmic contents, ultimately resulting in microbial death.In addition, a mouse wound-healing model showed that CCZA achieved a wound closure rate of 94.1% within 12 days and significantly accelerated tissue repair by promoting collagen deposition and cell proliferation. Therefore, CCZA, as an efficient and low-toxicity antibacterial nanomaterial, holds significant potential for applications in wound dressings.