The Unprecedented Biodegradable Polyzwitterion: A Removal-Free Patch for Accelerating Infected Diabetic Wound Healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Wound Healing Technologies

Background:

• Zwitterionic polymers are widely used in wound dressings and coatings due to their hydrophilicity.
• Current zwitterionic wound dressings are non-degradable, necessitating removal and risking secondary injury.
• There is a need for biodegradable wound dressings with enhanced functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a novel biodegradable polyzwitterion patch for wound dressing applications.
• To investigate the self-crosslinking, mechanical, and antifouling properties of the new material.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of the patch and its degradation products in infected diabetic wounds.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a biodegradable polyzwitterion patch via ring-opening polymerization of carboxybetaine dithiolane (CBDS).
• Characterization of the patch's self-crosslinking mechanisms (hydrogen bonds, dipole-dipole interactions) and physical properties.
• Assessment of biodegradability, antifouling performance, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of the patch and its degradation products.

Main Results:

• The polyzwitterion patch (polyCBDS) exhibits excellent ductility and can conform to irregular wound surfaces.
• The patch demonstrates significant biodegradability and effective antifouling properties.
• Degradation products of the patch (CBDS) possess potent antioxidant and antibacterial activities, regulating the wound microenvironment.

Conclusions:

• The fabricated biodegradable polyzwitterion patch represents a significant advancement in wound dressing technology.
• The patch effectively inhibits bacterial adhesion and promotes infected diabetic wound repair through its degradation products.
• This material offers a promising approach to wound healing, minimizing secondary injury and improving patient outcomes.