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Published on: November 11, 2022
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Injectable bioadhesive hydrogels with innate antibacterial properties.
Michael C Giano1, Zuhaib Ibrahim2, Scott H Medina3
11] Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health Frederick, Frederick, Maryland 21701, USA [2] Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 197163, USA.
Nature Communications
|June 25, 2014
Summary
New antibacterial bioadhesives were developed from polydextran aldehyde and polyethylenimine. These injectable hydrogels effectively kill bacteria and prevent sepsis in animal models, offering a novel solution for wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major cause of patient morbidity and increased healthcare expenses.
- Current bioadhesives lack antibacterial properties, limiting their efficacy in preventing infections.
- There is a need for advanced wound-filling materials with inherent antimicrobial capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel, syringe-injectable bioadhesive hydrogels with intrinsic antibacterial activity.
- To characterize the mechanical and adhesive properties of the developed hydrogels.
- To evaluate the efficacy of these antibacterial bioadhesives in preclinical infection models.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of bioadhesive hydrogels by mixing oxidized dextran and branched polyethylenimine.
- Assessment of antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
- Evaluation of mechanical properties (rigidity, adhesive stress) and biocompatibility (erythrocyte sparing).
- In vivo testing using a murine subcutaneous infection model and a cecal ligation and puncture model.
Main Results:
- The optimal hydrogel composition (2.5 wt% oxidized dextran, 6.9 wt% polyethylenimine) formed a rigid gel rapidly.
- The bioadhesives demonstrated potent bactericidal activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
- In vivo studies showed effective killing of Streptococcus pyogenes, prevention of sepsis, and improved survival rates.
- Minimal inflammatory response was observed in the murine infection model.
Conclusions:
- Novel, inherently antibacterial bioadhesive hydrogels were successfully synthesized.
- These materials exhibit promising mechanical, adhesive, and antimicrobial properties for wound-filling applications.
- The developed bioadhesives represent a significant advancement in combating surgical site infections and improving patient outcomes.
