Astragaloside IV-Loaded Polydopamine/Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 Nanoparticles Embedded in Conductive Decellularized Extracellular Matrix-Modified Hydrogels for Wound Healing

Background: Conventional and refractory wounds frequently remain in a prolonged inflammatory phase associated with excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and disruption of endogenous electrical cues. Methods: A multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogel was fabricated via an amidation condensation reaction, utilizing 3-amino-4-methoxybenzoic acid (AMB)-modified carboxymethyl chitosan (PAMB-CMCS) and decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) as macromolecular networks, integrated with Astragaloside IV-Loaded Polydopamine/Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (AS@PDA/ZIF-8) nanoparticles. Results: The hydrogel provided a biomechanically supportive scaffold with compressive strength of 27.24 ± 1.9 kPa and breaking strength of 28.2 ± 2.8 kPa and exhibited electrical conductivity of 29.84 mS/cm, ROS-scavenging activity, and near-infrared (NIR)-responsive photothermal behavior reaching 62.55 °C. The integrated PDA@ZIF-8 nanoplatform further contributed to antibacterial performance and localized AS release, thereby improving the wound microenvironment and accelerating full-thickness cutaneous defect repair. Conclusions: This macromolecule-based composite hydrogel offers a promising therapeutic strategy for complex wound management.