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Gallium(III)-Mediated Dual-Cross-Linked Alginate Hydrogels with Antibacterial Properties for Promoting Infected Wound
Jiajun Qin1, Ming Li1, Ming Yuan1
1Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, NJTech-BARTY Joint Research Center for Innovative Medical Technology, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, P. R. China.
This study introduces a novel gallium-infused hydrogel for infected wound treatment. The dual-crosslinked material offers broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and enhanced healing properties.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Infectious Diseases
- Wound Healing
Background:
- Metal gallium shows promise in combating infections by interfering with bacterial iron metabolism.
- Hydrogels are potential candidates for treating infected wounds due to their properties.
- Developing effective antimicrobial wound dressings remains a critical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a dual-crosslinked hydrogel incorporating gallium (Ga3+) for infected wound treatment.
- To investigate the dual role of gallium as both a cross-linking agent and a therapeutic agent.
- To enhance the mechanical properties and antimicrobial efficacy of alginate-based hydrogels.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a dual-crosslinked alginate hydrogel using ionic cross-linking with Ga3+ and photo-crosslinking.
- Characterization of hydrogel properties including morphology, degradability, swelling, rheology, and gallium release kinetics.
- In vitro and in vivo evaluation of antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, and wound healing efficacy.
Main Results:
- A homogeneous, dual-crosslinked alginate hydrogel with improved mechanical strength was successfully synthesized.
- The hydrogel demonstrated sustained release of gallium ions without compromising mechanical integrity.
- In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, excellent biocompatibility, and accelerated infected wound healing.
Conclusions:
- The developed gallium-ionic and photo-dual-crosslinked alginate hydrogel is a promising antimicrobial wound dressing.
- The dual-crosslinking strategy enhances mechanical performance while enabling therapeutic gallium release.
- This innovative hydrogel effectively combats bacterial infections and promotes wound healing.
