Antibacterial, Fatigue-Resistant, and Self-Healing Dressing from Natural-Based Composite Hydrogels for Infected Wound Healing

Biomacromolecules. 2024 Apr 8;25(4):2438-2448. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01385. Epub 2024 Mar 19.

Abstract

The treatment of infected wounds faces substantial challenges due to the high incidence and serious infection-related complications. Natural-based hydrogel dressings with favorable antibacterial properties and strong applicability are urgently needed. Herein, we developed a composite hydrogel by constructing multiple networks and loading ciprofloxacin for infected wound healing. The hydrogel was synthesized via a Schiff base reaction between carboxymethyl chitosan and oxidized sodium alginate, followed by the polymerization of the acrylamide monomer. The resultant hydrogel dressing possessed a good self-healing ability, considerable compression strength, and reliable compression fatigue resistance. In vitro assessment showed that the composite hydrogel effectively eliminated bacteria and exhibited an excellent biocompatibility. In a model of Staphylococcus aureus-infected full-thickness wounds, wound healing was significantly accelerated without scars through the composite hydrogel by reducing wound inflammation. Overall, this study opens up a new way for developing multifunctional hydrogel wound dressings to treat wound infections.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bandages
  • Chitosan*
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Hydrogels* / pharmacology
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Hydrogels
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Chitosan