Sprayable nanozyme dressing offers new hope for treating aerobic vaginitis and improving pregnancy outcomes

Aerobic vaginitis (AV), an inflammatory disorder of the vaginal microbiome, is known to increase risks of preterm birth and pregnancy complications. Current treatments, primarily antibiotics, often lead to drug resistance and fail to address the underlying microbial imbalance. Now, a team from Nantong University in China has developed a sprayable nanozyme dressing that could revolutionize the local treatment of AV.

The dressing is composed of cerium oxide nanozymes, gelatin, and nano-chitosan gel. It can be applied as a dry powder that swells into a protective hydrogel barrier upon contact with vaginal tissue. This barrier not only physically blocks pathogens but also releases nanozymes that mimic natural enzymes to scavenge harmful reactive oxygen species and reduce inflammation.

In a study published in Nano Research, the team demonstrated that the dressing effectively killed bacteria including E. coli and S. aureus, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, and restored a healthy vaginal microbiome dominated by Lactobacillus in mouse models. Most notably, treated mice showed significantly improved pregnancy outcomes, with higher embryo implantation rates and normalized progesterone levels.

“Our sprayable dressing represents a multi-mechanism approach to treating aerobic vaginitis,” said corresponding author Yujuan Zhu, a professor at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University. “It combines the rapid antibacterial action of chitosan with the anti-inflammatory power of nanozymes, all while promoting a balanced microbiome—key not only to curing infection but also to safeguarding fertility.”

The researchers highlight that the chitosan component exhibits stronger antibacterial activity in acidic environments, making it particularly suitable for vaginal use. Meanwhile, the cerium oxide nanozymes act as antioxidants, protecting tissues from oxidative stress and supporting healing.

“We are excited by the potential of this platform not only for AV but also for other infectious gynecological conditions,” added co-corresponding author Ya Wen. “This study underscores the importance of local, non-antibiotic therapies in an era of increasing antimicrobial resistance.”

The study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and several provincial research programs.

DOI Link:

https://doi.org/10.26599/NR.2025.94908266

About Nano Research

Nano Research is a peer-reviewed, open access, international and interdisciplinary research journal, sponsored by Tsinghua University and the Chinese Chemical Society, published by Tsinghua University Press on the platform SciOpen. It publishes original high-quality research and significant review articles on all aspects of nanoscience and nanotechnology, ranging from basic aspects of the science of nanoscale materials to practical applications of such materials. After 18 years of development, it has become one of the most influential academic journals in the nano field. Nano Research has published more than 1,000 papers every year from 2022, with its cumulative count surpassing 8,000 articles. In 2025 InCites Journal Citation Reports, its 2025 IF is 9.4 (8.3, 5 years), and it continues to be the Q1 area among the four subject classifications. Nano Research Award, established by Nano Research together with TUP and Springer Nature in 2013, and Nano Research Young Innovators (NR45) Awards, established by Nano Research in 2018, have become international academic awards with global influence.