Peptide Supramolecular Hydrogels with Sustained Release Ability for Combating Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Infectious Diseases
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Chronic wound infections from multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a global health threat.
• Existing treatments face challenges due to bacterial resistance and impaired healing.
• Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to combat these infections and promote tissue repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative supramolecular nanofiber hydrogel (Hydrogel-RL) for treating chronic wound infections.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Hydrogel-RL against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
• To assess the in vivo therapeutic effects of Hydrogel-RL on wound healing and its potential for combination therapy.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a supramolecular nanofiber hydrogel (Hydrogel-RL) using arginine end-tagging peptide (Pep 6).
• In vitro assessment of sustained peptide release, biocompatibility, and MRSA biofilm inhibition.
• In vivo evaluation of Hydrogel-RL in MRSA skin infection and chronic wound healing models.
• Loading of etamsylate into Hydrogel-RL to assess combined therapeutic effects.

Main Results:

• Hydrogel-RL demonstrated sustained release of Pep 6 for up to 120 hours.
• The hydrogel exhibited superior in vitro activity against MRSA biofilms.
• In vivo studies showed significant antimicrobial effects and accelerated healing of full-thickness skin wounds.
• Combined therapy with etamsylate improved hemostatic activity.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogel-RL is a biocompatible and effective antimicrobial agent against MRSA.
• The hydrogel promotes chronic wound healing by reducing inflammation and enhancing tissue regeneration.
• Hydrogel-RL shows promise as a functional biomaterial for treating multidrug-resistant infections and improving wound care.