Dual-Responsive Antibacterial Hydrogel Patch for Chronic-Infected Wound Healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Chronic wounds like bedsores and diabetic ulcers pose significant clinical challenges.
• Conventional antibiotic treatments face issues of drug resistance and lack targeted delivery.
• Need for advanced wound care solutions that offer precision and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a dual-responsive hydrogel patch for targeted antibiotic delivery in infected chronic wounds.
• To investigate the combined effects of near-infrared (NIR) light and pH triggers on drug release kinetics.
• To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy and wound repair capabilities of the developed hydrogel patch.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hydrogel patch using regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) and molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) nanoparticles (NPs).
• Incorporation of antibiotics into the hydrogel matrix for controlled release.
• Assessment of dual-responsiveness to pH changes (mimicking infected wound environment) and NIR irradiation.
• Evaluation of mechanical properties, drug release profiles, antibacterial activity, and in-situ wound healing performance.

Main Results:

• The RSF/MoO2 hydrogel patch demonstrated enhanced mechanical strength and biocompatibility.
• Precise, on-demand antibiotic release was achieved, triggered by both alkaline pH and NIR exposure.
• Significant inhibition of bacterial growth and promotion of wound tissue regeneration were observed.
• The hydrogel exhibited degradation synchronized with the wound healing process.

Conclusions:

• The developed NIR and pH dual-responsive hydrogel patch offers a promising strategy for treating bacterial infections in chronic wounds.
• This innovative approach enables precise, controlled antibiotic release, enhances wound healing, and mitigates antibiotic resistance.
• The biomaterial holds potential for advanced wound management, improving patient outcomes.