Development of phage-containing hydrogel for treating Enterococcus faecalis-infected wounds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Infectious Disease Research
• Wound Healing Studies

Background:

• Chronic wound infections caused by Enterococcus faecalis are challenging, especially with vancomycin-resistant strains.
• Phage therapy is promising but faces delivery challenges.
• Hydrogels offer biocompatibility and controlled release for phage delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and evaluate phage-containing hydrogels for treating E. faecalis-infected wounds.
• To assess the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of these novel hydrogel formulations.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of sodium alginate (SA)-carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels incorporating phage SAM-E.f 12.
• Characterization of hydrogel properties: swelling, degradation, morphology (SEM), and composition (FTIR).
• In vitro antibacterial activity (OD, disk diffusion), phage release, and stability studies.
• In vivo efficacy assessment in mice: wound healing, bacterial count, and histopathology.

Main Results:

• Hydrogels showed appropriate swelling (0.43 index, 30% water absorption) and degradation (23% over 7 days).
• FTIR confirmed successful polymer integration; SEM revealed suitable morphology.
• In vitro tests demonstrated significant inhibition of E. faecalis growth (OD 0.3 vs. 1.1 control).
• Hydrogels maintained phage stability for four weeks.
• In vivo studies showed reduced bacterial load and enhanced wound healing with improved epithelialization.

Conclusions:

• Phage-loaded SA-CMC-HA hydrogels are effective for treating E. faecalis-infected wounds.
• Controlled phage release from hydrogels promotes wound healing and reduces bacterial burden.
• This approach holds potential for improving clinical outcomes in infected wound management.