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Antimicrobial Shape Memory Polymer Hydrogels for Chronic Wound Dressings
Anand Utpal Vakil1, Maryam Ramezani1, Mary Beth B Monroe1
1Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, BioInspired Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York13244, United States.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|October 18, 2022
Summary
New hydrogel wound dressings incorporate plant-based phenolic acids for enhanced shape memory and antimicrobial properties, offering a promising solution for chronic wound care and infection reduction.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Chronic wounds pose significant health risks, including amputation, due to persistent infection.
- Current wound dressings require specific properties like conformability, moisture retention, and infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop cytocompatible, shape-memory hydrogels for chronic wound management.
- To impart antimicrobial properties using plant-based phenolic acids.
- To evaluate the impact of phenolic acids on hydrogel performance and wound healing potential.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of polyurethane-based poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels.
- Physical incorporation of plant-based phenolic acids into hydrogel scaffolds.
- Assessment of shape memory, cytocompatibility, and antimicrobial efficacy over time.
Main Results:
- Phenolic acid incorporation enhanced shape recovery ratio by 1.35×.
- Identified hydrogel formulations exhibited >90% cytocompatibility.
- Antimicrobial properties were sustained for over 20 days in hydrogels with higher phenolic acid content.
- Phenolic acid structure influenced retention and efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Novel hydrogel system demonstrates potential as an advanced chronic wound dressing.
- The material offers facile delivery, improved shape memory, and effective infection risk reduction.
- Further development could lead to improved chronic wound treatment strategies.
