Preparation and in vitro evaluation of photodynamic-responsive nanoliposome loaded PL-5

by Wen Lin, Qiong-zhi Shi, Xiang-ru Liao, Yuan Zeng, Xiang-yang Xie, Gang-jian Ji, Yin-ke Li

Burn wound infections are frequently complicated by biofilm-forming and multidrug-resistant pathogens, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), posing major therapeutic challenges. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as PL-5 (peceleganan) exhibit broad-spectrum activity but are limited by instability, poor biofilm penetration, and reduced efficacy in complex wound environments. Here, a red-light-responsive, porphyrin-phospholipid (PoP)-containing cationic liposomal system for PL-5, aiming to enhance its antibacterial and antibiofilm performance was developed. Optimized liposomes achieved high encapsulation efficiency (~73%), uniform nanoscale size (~50 nm), narrow polydispersity, and positive surface charge. They demonstrated good storage stability and controlled peptide release under red-light irradiation (635 nm). In vitro, red-light activation significantly enhanced antimicrobial activity against MRSA and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), reducing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values fourfold and accelerating bactericidal kinetics compared with free PL-5 and non-irradiated liposomes. Additionally, red-light-activated liposomes markedly inhibited biofilm formation. These results indicate that light-responsive liposomal delivery enables spatiotemporally controlled release of PL-5, significantly potentiating its antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy. This approach offers a promising localized treatment strategy for biofilm-associated burn wound infections and a foundation for future translational studies.

Efficacy and Safety of Silver Sulfadiazine Dressings and Nanocrystalline Silver Dressings on Burns: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT

Aim

Nanocrystalline silver dressings are increasingly used as alternatives to silver sulfadiazine dressings in burn management, but comparative evidence remains inconclusive. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of nanocrystalline silver dressings versus silver sulfadiazine dressings in burn patients.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251060978).

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched from inception through April 2025.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials comparing nanocrystalline silver dressings with silver sulfadiazine dressings in burn patients were included. Primary outcomes were wound healing time and adverse events. Secondary outcomes included complete re-epithelialization rates and dressing change frequency. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Evidence certainty was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials (724 patients) were included. Nanocrystalline silver dressings significantly reduced wound healing time (mean difference [MD] = −3.29 days, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.82 to −2.76; p < 0.00001; I ² = 0%) and dressing change frequency (MD = −8.76, 95% CI: −12.68 to −4.85; p < 0.00001; I ² = 94%). No significant differences were found in re-epithelialization rates (odds ratio = 1.08, p = 0.80) or adverse events (risk difference = −0.00, p = 0.99). Evidence certainty was low to very low across all outcomes.

Conclusions

Nanocrystalline silver dressings may offer advantages over silver sulfadiazine dressings in reducing wound healing time and dressing change frequency in burn patients, but the overall certainty of evidence is low to very low. Future well-powered, multicenter trials with standardized outcomes and extended follow-up are needed.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

These findings support the consideration of nanocrystalline silver dressings for burn wound management, particularly for reducing wound healing time and nursing workload associated with dressing changes. However, dressing selection should be guided by burn depth, infection risk, patient-specific factors, and resource availability.

Reporting Method

We have adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines, particularly the PRISMA checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO CRD420251060978.