Injectable antibacterial hydrogels based on oligolysines for wound healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Oligolysine typically exhibits limited antibacterial efficacy.
• Developing effective antibacterial materials for wound care remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare an injectable antibacterial hydrogel (PVAL-gel) using readily available oligolysines for enhanced wound healing.
• To evaluate the antibacterial properties and wound healing capabilities of the novel hydrogel.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a hydrogel network via Schiff base cross-linking of a P(VA-co-DMA) copolymer, oligolysine, and adipate dihydrazide.
• Assessed hydrogel properties including self-healing, injectability, and contact antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.
• Evaluated in vitro bacterial killing efficiency and in vivo efficacy in full-thickness skin wound models.

Main Results:

• The PVAL-gel exhibited excellent self-healing and injectability.
• Demonstrated efficient contact antibacterial activity, eradicating 99.9% of bacteria within 160 minutes in vitro.
• Showed significant enhancement in the healing of infected full-thickness skin wounds.

Conclusions:

• The injectable PVAL-gel possesses potent antibacterial properties and promotes wound healing.
• PVAL-gel is a promising candidate for advanced wound dressings in treating infected skin wounds.