Antibacterial activity and wound healing promotion of biomass carbon dots derived from a forestry pest, Glenea cantor (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Currently, forestry is facing ecological challenges caused by pests, highlighting the potential for research into the resource utilization of these pests, which could open new pathways for the sustainable use of biological resources, thereby achieving a win-win situation for both ecology and economy. Despite the recognized potential, the utilization rate of insect resources remains low due to limited research methodologies. Longhorn beetles, as commonly used traditional medicinal insects, possess notable hemostatic properties. This study leverages the hemostatic advantages of carbon dots (CDs) materials, selecting the multivoltine forestry pest Glenea cantor (GC) as the research subject to prepare CDs materials (GC-CDs) and explore the potential value of this innovative material in promoting wound healing. GC-CDs were synthesized through a simple and environmentally friendly microwave-assisted method. Comprehensive physicochemical characterizations were performed using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The results revealed that GC-CDs exhibit a quasi-spherical structure, excellent water solubility, and an average particle size of 1.02 nm. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity assays, hemolysis tests, and in vivo toxicity evaluations demonstrated the good biocompatibility of GC-CDs. Additionally, GC-CDs effectively inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and exhibited significant wound healing promotion effects in cell scratch assays, Transwell migration tests, and mouse wound models. This study successfully demonstrated the excellent antibacterial properties and wound-healing efficacy of GC-CDs while revealing their potential ecological value in transforming waste into valuable resources. These findings provide an innovative strategy for the eco-friendly utilization of pest resources, such as longhorn beetles.