Dandelion-Derived Carbon Dots with pH-Responsive Charge and Dual ROS Regulation for Anti-Infection and Accelerated Wound Repair

The study presents dandelion herb-derived carbon dots (DH-CDs) as a promising biocompatible antimicrobial agent for wound healing. These nanoparticles exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against bacteria like *S. aureus* and *E. coli*, with effective minimum inhibitory concentrations at different pH levels. DH-CDs disrupt bacterial membranes, inhibit energy metabolism, and modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to eradicate bacteria while protecting mammalian cells. In a murine model, DH-CDs significantly accelerated wound healing, outperforming commercial treatments by enhancing tissue repair and hair follicle regeneration. Their green synthesis, pH-responsive activity, and dual ROS regulation highlight their potential for treating bacteria-infected wounds.